What Is Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy is the inflammation of a tendon, the thick, fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. This condition commonly results from repetitive movements, overuse, or sudden increases in physical activity. It causes pain, tenderness, and swelling around the affected joint.

• Tendinopathy (/ˌtɛn.dɪˈnɒ.pə.θi/)
  Pronounced: ten-dih-NOP-uh-thee

While many people refer to this condition as tendonitis (or tendinitis), true inflammation is only one part of the picture. In many cases, especially chronic ones, the tendon undergoes degeneration rather than inflammation, which is more accurately termed tendinosis. “Tendinopathy” is the preferred term in physical therapy and medical practice, as it includes both inflammatory and degenerative tendon conditions.

Common Causes of Tendinopathy

• Repetitive strain – Common in athletes and individuals with repetitive work tasks.
• Sudden increase in activity – Overloading the tendon without proper conditioning.
• Poor posture and biomechanics – Misalignment can put excess stress on tendons.
• Aging – Tendons naturally lose elasticity over time.
• Medical conditions – Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can increase tendon vulnerability.

Symptoms of Tendinopathy

• Pain and tenderness along the tendon, often worsening with movement.
• Swelling and warmth in the affected area.
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion, especially after rest.
• Weakness in the affected limb.

Most Affected Areas

Tendinopathy can develop in various parts of the body, with the most common types including:

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy– Shoulder pain from repetitive overhead movements.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) – Outer elbow pain due to wrist extension strain.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) – Inner elbow pain from wrist flexion overuse.

Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee) – Pain below the kneecap, common in jumping sports.

Achilles Tendinopathy – Heel pain caused by running or sudden activity changes.

How Physical Therapy Helps Treat Tendinopathy

At our Cairo physical therapy clinics, we use evidence-based treatments to promote healing and prevent recurrence:

Pain Management

Manual therapy to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
Cold and heat therapy to control pain and swelling.
Electrotherapy (TENS, Ultrasound, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy – ESWT, and LASER) to enhance tissue healing.

Restoring Strength and Flexibility

• Targeted stretching to maintain tendon elasticity.
• Progressive strengthening exercises to rebuild tendon resilience.
• Eccentric loading therapy, a proven method for tendon repair.

Correcting Biomechanics

• Postural correction to reduce strain on tendons.
• Gait analysis and training for proper movement patterns.
• Ergonomic adjustments for workplace and sports activities.

Preventing Recurrence

• Activity modification strategies to avoid overuse.
• Personalized exercise programs for long-term tendon health.
• Education on proper warm-ups and cooldowns to prevent strain.

Why Choose Our Physical Therapy Clinics in Cairo?

• Expert Physical Therapists trained in evidence-based tendon rehabilitation.
• Advanced Treatment Techniques tailored to each patient’s needs.
• Personalized Recovery Plans for long-lasting results.
• Convenient Cairo Locations (Maadi and New Cairo) for easy access to professional care.

Early intervention is key to preventing chronic tendon damage. If you’re experiencing tendinopathy symptoms, schedule a consultation with our physical therapy experts in Cairo.