What Is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is a common inflammatory condition affecting the tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones. It can develop in various parts of the body, such as the wrist, shoulder, or elbow, and is often related to overuse or injury. This condition leads to pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, significantly limiting your range of motion and daily activities. The most common causes of tendonitis include repetitive movements, improper techniques during physical activity, and sudden increases in exercise intensity. Addressing it early can help reduce inflammation and prevent worsening symptoms. Schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists at UMG Physical Therapy in Columbia, MD to start receiving the care you need.
How Is Tendonitis Treated?
Treatment often includes a combination of methods to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore range of motion. Typical treatment options may involve rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. A physical therapist at UMG Physical Therapy can guide you through exercises designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the affected area, improving mobility and overall function. For more severe cases, ultrasound therapy or corticosteroid injections might be recommended. Seeking early treatment is essential to prevent further damage and support healing.
What Are the Symptoms of Tendonitis?
The symptoms can vary, depending on the location of the injury but generally include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Pain or tenderness, especially during movement
- Swelling or inflammation around the joint
- Sensitivity to touch
- Limited mobility or difficulty moving the affected joint
- A crackling or grating sensation when moving
- Weakness in the affected area
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a physical therapist in Columbia, MD for a physical exam to determine the appropriate treatment.
What Causes Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is often caused by repetitive motions or sudden injury. Common culprits include:
- Repetitive motions: Activities that involve the same movement over and over, such as typing, playing certain sports (like tennis or golf), or working on an assembly line.
- Improper technique: Using incorrect form during exercise or sports, which puts undue stress on tendons.
- Sudden increases in activity: Rapidly increasing the intensity, duration, or frequency of an activity without allowing the body to adapt.
- Age: As we age, tendons can lose some elasticity and become more susceptible to injury.
- Certain medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can also increase the risk of tendonitis.
How Is Tendonitis Diagnosed?
To diagnose tendonitis, a professional at UMG Physical Therapy will begin with a comprehensive consultation. During this appointment, they will ask detailed questions about your medical history, daily activities, and the specific symptoms you're experiencing. This is followed by a physical examination of the affected area to assess your range of motion, identify points of tenderness and swelling, and test your strength. In some cases, to rule out other conditions or confirm the diagnosis, we may recommend imaging tests. This thorough evaluation allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and get you on the road to recovery.
UMG Physical Therapy Reviews
Kevin was amazing! Alway flexible with scheduling. The facility was clean and welcoming. I will be back, if needed. Thank you for all you did to get me back on my feet.
I arrived with sciatica pain 4 weeks ago, and Dr. Ung immediately knew a plan that would properly diagnose and treat. The exercise plan was gradual but very effective with the added dry needling and heating. My sciatica pain and lower back has felt the best it had all year, and now I can roll in to 2026 with a healthy start.
Knowledgeable and friendly! Thank you for helping me get back to 100%!
Going to Umg PT was a great experience! They were very understanding, answered all my questions, alleviated my pain and taught me stretches to help prevent future discomfort.
Okay, so, a long time ago in August 2025, I woke up with excruciating neck pain. I was unable to turn my head and sleeping it off didn’t fix the issue. I went to UMG Urgent Care (also an amazing experience) and Stephanie told me that I would benefit from physical therapy to work through the neck pain. She recommended the physical therapy they had on site, and the rest is history.I cannot emphasize this enough; if there is an even an inkling that you might need physical therapy, please go to UMG Physical Therapy. Jeffery and Kevin are both so kind, funny, knowledgeable, and really help you work through and understand what’s causing the pain and how their exercises will help resolve the issue. Also, did you know that flat-footedness is fixable? No? Just me? Well, I learned that while I was here!I originally went in for neck pain, and then went to them for knee strength training so I was there for a good, long while. And let me tell you, I am not an early bird whatsoever. But the environment and staff are so amazing that I was always happy and ready to go to my morning sessions that I attended *before* work— that’s how great they are. And the routines they teach you really make a difference; if my neck or legs start acting up, I do the stretches and I’m good to go!Kevin and Jeffery are both super easy to talk to and they really pay attention to the patients on both the medical side and the personal side. They’d ask followup questions about my weekend outings or physical discomfort I had been experiencing the week prior. Considering that I was doing new stretches in front of essentially strangers every week, they make you feel right at home as you do it.TL;DR: if you e v e r need to go to Physical Therapy, no question, you have to go here. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
36
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Frequently Asked Questions
How is tendonitis diagnosed?
Our team at UMG Physical Therapy will conduct a thorough physical examination to assess your symptoms and range of motion. We may also ask about your medical history and daily activities to understand potential causes. In some cases, imaging tests might be used to rule out other conditions or evaluate the extent of the tendon damage.
What are the common causes of tendonitis?
Tendonitis often results from repetitive movements, improper techniques during physical activity, or sudden increases in exercise intensity. Certain sports or jobs that involve frequent overhead reaching or gripping can also contribute to its development. Underlying conditions like arthritis can also increase your risk.
Is it possible to prevent tendonitis?
Preventing tendonitis involves avoiding repetitive stress and gradually increasing the intensity of physical activities. It's important to use proper form and technique during exercise and to warm up adequately before strenuous activity in Columbia, MD. Taking regular breaks and stretching can also help reduce your risk.
Don't Let Tendonitis Hold You Back
If tendonitis affects your ability to move and perform daily activities, the right treatment can help restore function. Physical therapy is a key component of treatment, helping to strengthen the surrounding muscles and tendons while improving your range of motion. During a physical exam at UMG Physical Therapy in Columbia, MD, your provider will assess the severity of your condition and create a personalized recovery plan. With the help of a physical therapist, you can gradually regain strength, reduce inflammation, and prevent future injuries. If you're dealing with tendonitis, seeking professional care can help you regain mobility and reduce discomfort, allowing you to return to your daily activities.