Common Locations for Tendonitis
- Shoulder (Rotator Cuff Tendonitis)
- Causes: Overhead activities, sports (like swimming or tennis), and repetitive lifting.
- Elbow (Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow)
- Causes: Repetitive wrist and arm motions, common in sports and manual labor.
- Wrist (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis)
- Causes: Repetitive hand or wrist movements, often seen in activities like typing or using a smartphone.
- Hip (Iliopsoas Tendonitis)
- Causes: Overuse in activities like running or cycling.
- Knee (Patellar Tendonitis)
- Causes: Activities that involve jumping or running, typical in sports like basketball or soccer.
- Achilles Tendon (Achilles Tendonitis)
- Causes: Overuse in running or improper footwear.
How Acupuncture Treats Tendonitis
- Pain Relief
- Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which can help reduce pain perception in the affected area.
- Reduced Inflammation
- Acupuncture may help prevent the inflammatory response and improve circulation, promoting healing in the tendon.
- Improved Blood Flow
- By enhancing blood circulation to the affected area, acupuncture can facilitate the delivery of nutrients necessary for healing.
- Relaxation of Muscles
- It targets muscle tension around the affected tendon, which can help alleviate pain and restore range of motion.
- Restoration of Function
- Acupuncture aims to rebalance the body’s energy flow (Qi), potentially improving overall function and reducing the likelihood of re-injury.
Treatment Approach
- Points Selection: Acupuncture may target local points around the affected tendon as well as distal points related to the same meridian or pathway.
- Combination with Other Techniques: Sometimes combined with other therapies like physical therapy or massage for comprehensive care.
How Often Should You Come for Treatments?
- Initial Frequency:
- Many practitioners recommend starting with 1-2 sessions per week for the first few weeks to assess response and progress.
- Maintenance:
- Once improvement is seen, frequency may decrease to every 2-4 weeks, depending on individual needs and the condition.
- Individual Variation:
- Treatment frequency can vary based on the severity of pain, chronicity, and individual response to acupuncture.
How Often Should You Come for Treatments?
- Initial Frequency:
- Many practitioners recommend starting with 1-2 sessions per week for the first few weeks to assess response and progress.
- Maintenance:
- Once improvement is seen, frequency may decrease to every 2-4 weeks, depending on individual needs and the condition.
- Individual Variation:
- Treatment frequency can vary based on the severity of pain, chronicity, and individual response to acupuncture.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing tendonitis, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Contact us to see how Acupuncture can be a beneficial complementary therapy for managing tendonitis pain and enhancing overall quality of life. Regular evaluation with your acupuncturist can help determine the best treatment schedule for your specific situation.