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Tendonitis vs. Bursitis: How to Tell the Difference and Find the Right Treatment

October 22, 20244 min read

Have you been dealing with persistent joint pain and wondering whether it’s tendonitis or bursitis? If you’re tired of trying to manage the pain without truly understanding what’s going on, you're in the right place. Here at ARC Rehabilitation & Pilates, we work in identifying and treating conditions like tendonitis and bursitis, and we know how to help you find relief. And it all starts with that crucial Initial Consultation.

Tendonitis and bursitis might sound similar, but they’re two different issues that can cause serious discomfort in your joints. If you’ve been dealing with this pain for a while, you’ve probably tried everything under the sun – from painkillers to ice packs to stretches you found online – but nothing seems to stick. Sound familiar? Well, fear not, because we’re here to help you.

At ARC Rehabilitation & Pilates, we’re not your average clinic. We want to resolve and improve everyone’s pain for good! Our secret? The Initial Consultation. Trust us when we say it’s the key to finding the right treatment for your specific issue.

Tendonitis vs. Bursitis: What’s the Difference?

Let’s start with understanding the basics. Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon – the thick cord that connects muscle to bone. It typically occurs from overuse or repetitive strain, especially in areas like the shoulders, elbows, knees, and heels. Bursitis, on the other hand, is the inflammation of a bursa – a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Bursitis usually flares up when joints are overused or when they experience prolonged pressure, such as from kneeling or leaning on your elbows for extended periods.

While the symptoms of tendonitis and bursitis are similar, such as pain, swelling, and limited mobility, they each require a different approach to treatment. That’s where our expertise comes in.

Why Is the Initial Consultation So Important?

Firstly, it’s all about getting the diagnosis right. You see, both tendonitis and bursitis can result from a multitude of issues — overuse, improper form during exercise, or even the natural wear and tear of daily life. During your Initial Consultation, our expert team will dive deep into your medical history, lifestyle, and those nagging symptoms that have been causing you discomfort.

We’ll also assess how your joints and muscles are functioning. This thorough evaluation will help us pinpoint whether tendonitis or bursitis is behind your pain and guide us toward creating a treatment plan that’s perfectly tailored to you.

How We Treat Tendonitis and Bursitis at ARC

Once we’ve identified the root cause of your pain, we’ll develop a personalised treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery. Here’s what that might look like:

  1. Manual Therapy: Whether it’s tendonitis or bursitis, manual therapy can be a powerful tool for reducing inflammation and improving mobility. Our therapists use hands-on techniques to gently stretch and mobilise the affected area, relieving pressure and easing discomfort.

  2. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Rehabilitating the affected muscles and tendons is crucial to ensuring the pain doesn’t come back. We’ll guide you through specific exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the inflamed tendon or bursa, providing support to the joint and promoting long-term recovery.

  3. Ice, Heat, and Ultrasound Therapy: To reduce inflammation, we may incorporate heat or ice therapy, depending on your specific condition. Ultrasound therapy is another tool we use to promote healing and improve blood flow to the affected area.

  4. Ergonomic and Lifestyle Adjustments: Sometimes, the way we move or carry out daily activities contributes to our pain. Our team will provide recommendations on improving your posture, form, and ergonomics at home or work to prevent further strain.

But What About Me? I’ve Tried Everything!

We get it. Many of our patients come to us after exhausting all other options, frustrated and exhausted from the constant pain and limited movement. But trust us, we thrive on those tough cases. Our team of specialists is committed to finding the right solution for your specific needs, even when it feels like you’ve tried it all before.

Our approach goes beyond short-term fixes — we focus on treating the underlying issue, ensuring long-term relief and recovery. So, if you’ve been dealing with either tendonitis or bursitis, know that you’re not alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether it’s tendonitis, bursitis, or something else entirely, the key to recovery starts with the right diagnosis. Schedule your Initial Consultation with us at ARC Rehabilitation & Pilates today, and let’s work together to get you back to doing the things you love, pain-free. Your joints will thank you later!

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0861763809

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