Tendons are strong bands of connective tissue that attach muscle to bone. While they are
designed to handle load and movement, they are also common sites of pain and injury.
Tendinopathy is a general term used to describe tendon irritation or degeneration. It is typically
characterised by pain, swelling, and reduced function, and it can significantly impact an
individual’s quality of life.
Common areas affected include:
Achilles tendon
Patellar tendon (knee)
Plantar fascia (heel)
Rotator cuff (shoulder)
Elbow (tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow)
Although tendinopathy is often associated with athletic or active individuals, it doesn’t only
affect runners or tennis players. You may know someone with tennis elbow who has never
picked up a racquet, or someone with Achilles or plantar fascia pain who doesn’t run. Tendon
pain can affect anyone.
Tendinopathy is a complex, multifactorial musculoskeletal condition. Every person experiencing
tendon pain requires an individualised rehabilitation approach that considers their lifestyle,
activity levels, and personal goals.
How long does recovery take?
Tendon pain can be stubborn, and rehabilitation does require patience.
If symptoms are recent, the tendon is less likely to have undergone significant structural change,
and recovery can be relatively quick, often around 12 weeks to return to regular activity.
However, if tendon pain has been present for several months, recovery may take longer. It’s not
uncommon for rehabilitation to take 6–12 months in more persistent cases.
The good news? With the right knowledge, guidance, and a structured plan, you can return to
doing what you love and often stronger than before.
How We Approach Tendon Pain at Beachealth
At Beachealth, we use a combination of:
Osteopathic Manual Therapy
A gentle, non-invasive hands-on approach that can help reduce pain and improve movement
through joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques.
Load Management & Tendon Rehabilitation
Effective tendon rehabilitation begins with understanding your current capacity. From there, we
design a tailored, progressive loading program to strengthen the tendon and prepare it for the
demands placed on it, whether that’s running, playing sport, or simply walking the dog.
Tendon loading is introduced in a safe and strategic way, typically progressing through:
Isometric holds (static strength work)
Slow, heavy isotonic strengthening
Plyometric and sport-specific or activity-specific exercises.
Appropriate loading is one of the most important components of long-term tendon recovery.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is an evidence-based treatment option for chronic tendinopathies. It uses
acoustic waves to stimulate tissue healing, promote blood flow, and help desensitise irritated
nerve endings.
If you’re experiencing tendon pain, early assessment and a structured treatment plan can make
a significant difference in your recovery. Contact us today!
Written by Jared Cox M.Ost, CNP.