Tendon injuries are a common source of pain and frustration for people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you’re an athlete or a weekend walker, you might find yourself dealing with tendon pain that just won’t go away. Fortunately, there’s good news: recent research has revealed that with the right approach—especially targeted exercise therapy—you can heal and get back to doing what you love.
What Causes Tendon Pain and Stiffness?
Tendons can become injured in two main ways:
- Trauma – A direct blow or acute injury.
- Overuse – A sudden increase in physical activity, intensity, or load, especially without proper progression.
Overuse injuries are by far the most common and often lead to tendinopathy, a condition where the tendon becomes irritated, painful, and stiff due to repeated strain.
Common Tendon Injuries We See
- Achilles Tendon Pain
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy (shoulder)
- Patellar Tendonitis (also known as Jumper’s Knee)
- Tennis Elbow (ECRB tendon)
What Not to Do with a Tendon Injury
Don’t push through the pain. Especially in the early “reactive tendon” phase, continuing to load the tendon excessively can worsen the injury and delay recovery.
💡 Did you know? Research shows that anti-inflammatories like NSAIDs may have little to no effect—and in some cases may weaken the tendon and increase the risk of reinjury.
The Best Treatment for Tendon Injuries: Physiotherapy and Exercise
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for tendon pain. That’s why working with a physiotherapist to create a personalised rehab plan is essential.
An effective treatment approach may include:
- Hands-on physiotherapy
- Dry needling (when appropriate)
- Most importantly: a structured exercise rehabilitation program
Why Exercise is Key to Tendon Healing
Tendons respond best to a specific type of load. One of the most researched and effective methods is isometric loading—holding static contractions for a certain time, repeated throughout the day. This helps restore the tendon’s strength and function gradually and safely.
💬 Want to know more about how physiotherapy for tendon injuries can help you?
Call or WhatsApp us today to book an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
Practice News & Updates
Welcome Claudette Smit!
We’re thrilled to welcome Claudette Smit, a seasoned sports physiotherapist from Gauteng, to our team. She’ll be working at our Melkbos and Yzerfontein branches—make sure to say hi!
Congrats to Candice and Family!
We’re excited to have Candice, our beloved practice manager, back from maternity leave. Congratulations to her, Hadley, and big brother Noah on the arrival of baby Nahum!
Team Shoutout: Cara Smith’s Half Ironman!
Massive congrats to Cara Smith, who recently completed her first Half Ironman in Durban—with personal bests in both her swim and cycle segments. You’re an inspiration to us all!
Tendon pain can be stubborn—but with expert care and the right treatment plan, recovery is possible. Don’t wait for it to get worse. Reach out today to start your healing journey with our trusted team of physiotherapists.
Warm regards,
Marli, Claire & the Team
