Tendinitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by the inflammation, irritation, or microscopic tearing of a tendon—the thick, fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone. While it can be caused by a sudden injury, it most frequently develops due to repetitive motion or overuse that exceeds the tendon's ability to repair itself. Individuals with tendinitis typically experience a persistent dull ache that intensifies when moving the affected joint, along with localized tenderness, mild swelling, and joint stiffness.
At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Edward Owens draws on nearly 30 years of experience to provide rapid pain relief and support long-term healing for tendinitis. Our clinic offers a variety of non-invasive treatments, including precise chiropractic adjustments to restore proper biomechanical alignment and myofascial release to break down painful scar tissue. We also provide advanced options such as red light (laser) therapy to accelerate tissue repair and Kinesio Taping to stabilize the injured area, helping our Bellevue patients return to their daily activities without the need for long-term treatment contracts.
Tendinitis
Symptoms
Pain - This dull ache typically intensifies when moving the affected limb or joint.
Tenderness - The area where the tendon attaches to the bone is often sore to the touch.
Swelling - You may notice mild inflammation, warmth, or redness in the localized area.
Stiffness - Patients frequently experience a reduced range of motion in the involved joint.
Weakness - You may notice a subjective feeling of weakness in the surrounding musculature.
Crepitus - A grating or crackling sensation can occur when moving the involved tendon.
Common Causes
Tendinitis most commonly develops due to repetitive motion or overuse over time, rather than a single traumatic event. When a tendon is subjected to repetitive loads or excessive stress that exceeds its natural capacity to repair itself, microscopic tears occur in the fibrous tissue. This triggers a localized inflammatory response, leading to the pain and swelling associated with the condition. At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Owens frequently sees this in patients suffering from sports injuries, work-related repetitive strain, or the physical toll of daily activities that place uneven mechanical stress on joints like the shoulders, elbows, and knees.
Age plays a significant role in the development of tendinitis, as tendons naturally become less elastic and more susceptible to injury after the age of 40. This physiological change means that even moderate activities can lead to irritation if the body's biomechanical alignment is compromised. Beyond natural aging and overuse, acute trauma—such as "slip and fall" injuries or auto accidents—can cause immediate damage to the tendon fibers. In some cases, systemic factors like gout or metabolic conditions can contribute to the accumulation of calcium deposits within the tendon, further aggravating the tissue and causing intense, sudden discomfort.
Certain external factors can also increase the risk of developing this condition. For instance, specific medications are known to weaken tendon structures, making them more prone to sudden rupture. Regardless of whether the cause is a sudden injury or a long-term accumulation of stress, improper joint alignment and muscle tension often exacerbate the strain on the affected area. By identifying these underlying mechanical issues, we can address how mechanical loads are distributed across the body, helping to mitigate the primary triggers of tendon inflammation and promoting long-term wellness.
How Tendinitis can affect you
When tendinitis is ignored, the initial inflammatory response can progress into a degenerative state known as tendinosis. Unlike acute tendinitis, tendinosis involves the actual breakdown of collagen fibers within the tendon rather than active inflammation. This chronic degradation weakens the internal structure, turning temporary soreness and stiffness into a persistent, long-term issue. Without professional intervention, the localized swelling and warmth may subside, but the underlying tissue becomes increasingly brittle and less capable of handling the mechanical loads of daily activity.
The most severe consequence of leaving tendinitis untreated is a complete tendon rupture. As the fibrous cord continues to fray from repetitive stress or microscopic tearing, it loses its structural integrity, significantly increasing the risk of a total snap. A ruptured tendon often necessitates invasive surgical procedures and extensive rehabilitation to restore basic function. Furthermore, persistent pain frequently leads to "guarding," where a patient instinctively avoids using the affected limb. This prolonged disuse can result in muscle atrophy—a significant loss of muscle mass and strength—that complicates the recovery process and may lead to permanent mobility restrictions.
In some instances, neglected tendinitis can lead to the development of calcific tendinitis, where calcium deposits accumulate within the tendon fibers, causing sudden and intense bouts of pain. If systemic conditions like gout or metabolic disorders are present, the inflammatory effects can be even more pronounced, potentially leading to intractable pain and permanent disability. Over time, the grating sensation of crepitus or the subjective weakness in the surrounding musculature can transition from minor annoyances to life-altering limitations, making it difficult to perform routine tasks or participate in sports.
How we treat Tendinitis
Dr. Edward Owens utilizes nearly 30 years of experience to address the root mechanical issues and tissue damage associated with tendinitis. At Chiropractic of Bellevue, treatment typically begins with precise chiropractic adjustments to ensure proper joint alignment, which helps redistribute mechanical loads and reduces the uneven stress on the affected tendons. To complement these adjustments, Dr. Owens incorporates myofascial release techniques, such as VibraCussor-assisted massage and manual trigger point therapy. These methods are specifically designed to break down the painful scar tissue and adhesions that form during the repetitive stress phase of the condition, helping to restore flexibility and alleviate the persistent dull ache described in the symptoms section.
For patients seeking to accelerate the repair of microscopic tears, our clinic offers non-invasive red light (laser) therapy. This advanced service stimulates cellular metabolism and circulation at the site of inflammation, allowing the body’s natural healing processes to occur more rapidly. Additionally, we may utilize Kinesio Taping to stabilize the injured area and provide support for the surrounding musculature, which is particularly effective for managing sports injuries or work-related strain. Whether you are visiting our office at 365 118th Ave SE for same-day treatment or seeking a preventative maintenance schedule to avoid a relapse, Dr. Owens focuses on providing quick relief while supporting your long-term wellness. To schedule an appointment at our Bellevue office, you can call or text us at (425) 802-5432.