BOOK NOW

tendinopathy

5 top tips to manage tendon problems
Prevention is always better than cure. Understanding risk factors is important to make sure you stay injury free and notice signs and symptoms early.

Rehab Old Injuries
Achilles tendinopathy is common in people who have previously suffered from a lower limb injury and previous lower limb tendon problems. This could be anything, from a sprained ankle to knee surgery in the past. This is often due to a weakness that develops whilst the injury is recovering. Therefore it is important to make sure that your strength is back to normal before you start aggressively training or upping distance and pace quickly.

Manage Training Loads
Which brings us on to the next point, managing training loads. Following a training schedule is important to avoid “boom and bust” behaviours. Increasing training loads to quickly (beyond 10% a week) a quick change in terrain (from normally running on flat ground to running hills to a change in pace) can all be factors that overload and cause a flare in Achilles pain. Following a training schedule to monitor and slowly increase training loads will help you to stay injury free and give your body adequate rest between runs.

Recognise Early Signs & Symptoms – Start Rehab As Soon As Possible
Early signs and symptoms are important to note, and adjust your training plan accordingly. The most common symptom is pain in the morning, or the following day post run when descending stairs. This is a sign that you have caused some swelling within the tendon and need to recover before you push your distance/ speed on the next run. Strength training in this time is important to facilitate recovery and movement of the tendon and will help to reduce your symptoms. Start back to running as soon as it is comfortable to do so, this may be a run walk to start with reduced distance and pace to help facilitate recovery and reduced the effects of deconditioning. Consulting a physiotherapist will be useful in this phase to have guidance and help optimising your rehab.

Do Not Stretch!
When the Achilles is in this phase it is important not to stretch it. Normally tendinopathy occurs when the calf and tendon are too weak/ pliable for the force it is exposed too, therefore no efficient is absorbing shock. Stretching has been shown to weaken the muscle further and increase pliability of the tendon so therefore will make it more susceptible to a tendinopathy. Also is you have a tendinopathy in the lower part of the Achilles (insertional tendinopathy) this will cause compression and may aggravate the tendon further. 

Do Not Heat, Massage Or Needle The Tendon
Do not massage the tendon or use heat on the tendon in the early stages, this is likely to make the tendon more painful and likely to cause a flare, slowing down recovery, not allowing rehab to take place due to increased pain levels. Light exercise is the best painkiller in this phase, even if it’s just walking, cycling or running.

Here is a video of one of our physio’s talking you through Tendinopathy:

our locations

Our main clinic location is within David Lloyd Club in Thorpe Wood, Peterborough with a satellite clinic in Oundle School (students and staff only). Please contact us on 01733 565911 for more information on our clinic times & locations.

David Lloyd Club

Prestons Health,
Within David Lloyd Club,
Thorpe Wood Business Park,
Peterborough PE3 6SR

Oundle School

Prestons Health,
Health and Well-being Suite,
Within Oundle School Sports Centre,
Milton Road,
Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4AB

Please contact our main site for appointments and further information.

get in touch

Telephone
01733 565911

Email
admin@prestonshealth.co.uk

Opening Hours

Monday : 8.15 - 8.30pm
Tuesday : 8.15 - 6pm
Wednesday : 8.15 - 8pm
Thursday : 8.15 - 6pm
Friday : 8.15 - 6pm

 

Rebecca Ella
Rebecca Ella
Preston’s was recommended to me by my GP as the NHS waiting list is months long! Had my first appointment with Leora Penkar today and she really put me at ease. I have been in pain with my knee for months now and it was amazing to finally have someone examine it, write up a letter and give me a workout to improve it. I have already recommended Leora to a few people who are looking to book in with her as well. Would definitely recommend 😃 Thank you Leora!
Jay Jack
Jay Jack
Superb service. Linda was excellent with consideration for lower back pain and treatment.
Daniela Secan
Daniela Secan
Linda Dennis took a detailed history of my symptoms before she performed a thorough assessment. She is kind and polite with brilliant communication skills. I strongly recommend Linda.
caroline Salmon
caroline Salmon
Great service and very professional. Loved the holistic approach.
Karyn Reidy
Karyn Reidy
Really listen to the issues and focus on the cause rather than just easing the problem. Had 5 sessions and each one was really useful.
Leanne Hilless
Leanne Hilless
Prestons Health (and Helen) were suggested to me by my GP during what has been a very difficult period of my life. I have never had physiotherapy before and was unsure what to expect. Helen made me feel completely at ease and showed me genuine empathy and kindness, taking every aspect of my wellbeing into account - physical and emotional - as well as demonstrating her years worth of skill in her trade. I am making great progress and I couldn't recommend Helen and her Team more. Thank you!
R.MUKESH Surana
R.MUKESH Surana
Helen is absolutely wonderful and professional. She helped me to combat my low back pain with full confidence. I highly recommend Helen Prestons. Thanks Helen & team
Joan Mallett
Joan Mallett
Went in doubled up in pain unable to stand or walk. Have had four sessions on my knee and leg muscles and am walking, can straighten my leg and ZERO pain. Can’t thank Caroline enough. I heartily recommend this company for reliability, competence and effectiveness 💕
Pennell Partners
Pennell Partners
i have been using Prestons Health over the years for various reasons and have always found them to be excellent in their dedication to discovering the underlying problems you present to them and their ability to make you feel better going out then you did going in! Helen particularly is excellent.
Nella Butler
Nella Butler
Excellent physiotherapist, would highly recommend. The assessment was very thorough and professional. I felt complete confidence in the treatment and follow up exercises provided. Very pleased with every aspect of my appointments.

Privacy Policy