Tendonitis Surgery

In extreme cases where tendonitis cannot be treated using any other method surgery is required. Surgery is only every used as a last resort to treat tendonitis.

Ultrasound Treatment

Ultrasound is commonly used by doctors and physicians to break down scar tissue around the tendon and is very effective. Ultrasound uses sound waves that vibrate at a very high level to increase circulation and soften the affected area. When using ultrasound:

• The sound waves penetrate the skin and surface layers and cause the soft tissue to vibrate, producing gentle healing vibrations within the affected area that soothe inflammation and relieve pain.
• Ultrasound waves also cause tissues to relax and increase blood flow to help reduce local swelling and chronic inflammation.
• Increased blood flow also delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the tissue, removes cell waste and aids healing.

Ultrasound can also promote Phonophoresis to help topical pain and nutrient solutions reach further down into the tissues.

Ultrasound can be expensive at your physical therapist and one alternative is a home-use or portable ultrasound machine. These devices have become fairly popular among people looking for an all natural and reasonably inexpensive treatment method. If you plan to purchase an ultrasound machine for your home, it is important to do a bit of research on the company. One device that meets our standards is the Sonic Relief™ Portable Pain Therapy System. We have dealt with a lot of problems through other companies and their devices, but because of the Sonic Relief™ device and the customer service is we would recommend them any day.

• Stop the activity that caused the pain:
  The first step to proper tendonitis treatment is to stop all activities associated with the affected area.
• Rest the affected area for at least 3 weeks:
  Rest is the most important part of tendonitis treatment. In most cases the tendon will be able to completely heal itself with enough rest.
• If possible, brace the area:
  If possible we recommend you brace the affected area. This could mean a wrist brace (wrist), arm sling (shoulder), knee brace (knee), etc. Bracing the area protects it against further inflammation and strain.
• Apply anti-inflammatory medication to the area:
  Anti-inflammatory medication can help to relieve tendonitis pain and dilate the blood vessels. This allows for relief of the pain, without causing any stiffening of the tissue.
• After 3 weeks, re-evaluate the situation:
  How is the pain feeling after 3 weeks? If the pain has not subsided, rest for another 3 weeks. If the area is feeling better you can begin further rehabilitation.
• Apply light resistance, movement and stretching:
  Apply slow and controlled movement to the affected area. If no pain is felt, you may use very light weights. After movement some gentle stretching can be applied. Repeat these light movement exercises for a minimum of 3 weeks.
• Start light exercise:
  By now your tendon should be ready for some light exercises. You can find some exercises for various body parts on this page.
• Ease back into activity:
  Your tendon should now be ready to start regular activity again. Make sure your properly warm up and stretch your tendon before you begin exercising.

If you follow the tendonitis treatment steps mentioned above and your tendonitis pain does not subside you should consult your doctor of physician as soon as possible. Some further treatment methods may need to be used.