Tendonitis and Bursitis Treatment in Medford, MA
Tendonitis and bursitis are common causes of joint pain that occur when the soft tissues surrounding a joint become irritated or inflamed. Tendons connect muscles to bones and allow joints to move, while bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tendons, muscles, and bones. When either structure becomes inflamed, it can cause significant pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Many patients experience tendonitis or bursitis from repetitive stress, sports injuries, overuse, or poor joint mechanics. These conditions often affect active individuals as well as people whose work involves repetitive motions such as lifting, typing, or overhead movements. At Medford Chiropractic, patients from Medford, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and Cambridge frequently seek care for non-surgical treatment of tendonitis and bursitis so they can return to normal activity without medications or invasive procedures.
Symptoms of Tendonitis and Bursitis
Tendonitis and bursitis typically cause localized joint pain that worsens with movement or activity. Symptoms may develop gradually or appear after an injury or increase in activity.
Common symptoms include:
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Pain or tenderness near a joint
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Swelling or inflammation in the affected area
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Stiffness or reduced range of motion
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Pain that worsens with repetitive movement
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Weakness when using the joint
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Warmth or mild redness around the joint
These symptoms most commonly occur in joints that experience repetitive stress.
Common Types of Tendonitis and Bursitis
Several types of tendon and bursa inflammation are frequently treated with conservative care.
Shoulder Tendonitis and Shoulder Bursitis
The shoulder contains multiple tendons and bursae that allow smooth arm movement. Repetitive overhead motion, sports activity, or poor posture can irritate these tissues and cause shoulder pain.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow is a form of tendonitis affecting the outer elbow. It commonly develops from repetitive wrist and forearm movements and can cause pain when gripping or lifting objects.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow affects the inner elbow and occurs when tendons that control wrist flexion become irritated.
Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis occurs when the bursa on the outside of the hip becomes inflamed, often causing pain when walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side.
Knee Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Inflammation of the patellar tendon below the kneecap can develop from sports activities such as running or jumping.
What Causes Tendonitis and Bursitis?
These conditions often develop when repetitive stress or poor joint mechanics place excessive strain on tendons or bursae.
Common causes include:
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Repetitive motion or overuse injuries
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Sports activities involving repeated movement
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Poor posture or joint alignment
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Muscle imbalances
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Sudden increases in physical activity
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Occupational strain from lifting or repetitive tasks
Even everyday movements performed repeatedly over time can gradually irritate these tissues.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Tendonitis and Bursitis
Many cases of tendonitis and bursitis improve with conservative treatment that reduces inflammation and restores proper joint mechanics.
At Medford Chiropractic, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the problem rather than simply masking symptoms.
Treatment options may include:
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Chiropractic adjustments to improve joint movement
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Shockwave therapy to stimulate tissue healing
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Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension
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Corrective exercises to improve stability and movement patterns
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Guidance on activity modification to prevent further irritation
These approaches help reduce stress on the affected tissues so the body can heal naturally.
Tendonitis, Bursitis, and Chronic Joint Pain
When tendonitis or bursitis is not treated early, inflammation can persist and lead to chronic joint pain or recurring flare-ups. Repeated irritation may also weaken tendons over time, increasing the risk of further injury.
Proper evaluation of joint movement, muscle balance, and biomechanics is important for identifying the underlying cause and preventing the condition from returning.
When to Seek Treatment
If joint pain persists for more than several days, worsens with activity, or limits your ability to move normally, professional evaluation is recommended.
At Medford Chiropractic, Dr. Jon Horvath performs a comprehensive assessment of joint mechanics, muscle function, and movement patterns to determine the source of tendon or bursa irritation. A personalized treatment plan can then be developed to reduce pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to normal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tendonitis and Bursitis
What is the difference between tendonitis and bursitis?
Tendonitis involves inflammation of a tendon, while bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, the fluid-filled sac that cushions joints. Both conditions can cause similar symptoms including pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Can chiropractic care help tendonitis?
Yes. Chiropractic care can improve joint motion and reduce mechanical stress on irritated tendons, which may help relieve pain and support healing.
How long does tendonitis take to heal?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the condition and activity level, but many patients begin to experience improvement within several weeks of conservative treatment.
What activities make tendonitis worse?
Repetitive movements, heavy lifting, and continued overuse of the affected joint can aggravate symptoms and delay healing.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, elbow pain, hip pain, or knee pain related to tendonitis or bursitis, Dr. Jon Horvath at Medford Chiropractic provides non-surgical treatment options designed to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
