Does Stretching Work? & Treating Tendon-Related Pain
- Does static stretching actually work?
- What alternative treatments may help with tendon-related pain
News You Can Use
Good news! With consistent static stretching, flexibility and range of motion within joints can be increased. Recent research shows a statistically significant improvement in overall flexibility with a minimum of 10 minutes / every day for 2 months. CONSISTENCY IS KEY!
Does static stretching decrease injury?
It depends on your particular sport or activity. For example, marathon/ distance runners run a very similar pattern through a short range of motion. It is unlikely static stretching would prevent muscle/ tendon related issues in this sport.
However, sports that involve moving in various plane of motions and require exceptional flexibility and mobility, such as acrobatics, field sports, and action sports, stretching is an integral part of preventing injuries.
Check out a great 5 minute Ted Ed talk discussing the science and benefits of static stretching Click Here!
Treating Tendon-Related Pain
In addition to physical therapy, what treatments are there for tendon-related pain? We discuss this with clients who we feel may benefit from complementary medical interventions.
Below are four procedures used to treat tendon injuries:
1) Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
A noninvasive treatment that is applied outside the body over the area of pain. Shockwaves are produced by a machine that delivers the impulses through the skin. It is thought to work by increasing blood flow and promoting new tendon cell growth.
2) Topical Vasodilators
Increases blood flow to the injured area, which may help reduce pain, and increase function. Side effects may include headache and low blood pressure.
3) Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is a concentrated source of platelets obtained from one's own blood. Blood is drawn from a vein then placed in a centrifuge which spins and separates out into various components, one of which is the platelet rich component. This platelet-rich component of blood is then injected to the area of injury which can then release growth factors potentially providing a regenerative stimulus that may promote repair in tissues.
4) Percutaneous Needle Tenotomy
Involves the passage of a standard needle through the abnormal tendon multiple times. It is thought that needle tenotomy works by stimulating tendon healing and remodeling. It has been shown to increase the growth of new blood vessel formation to the area.
Source: Mass General Brigham.
Learn More From Us!
- Have questions? We're happy to help! Shoot us an email at ptprogressionma@gmail.com
- Rather call? We're happy to chat over the phone at (508) 650-1984