LewyPT: Tendinitis & Sports

RELIEF FOR YOUR TENDINITIS THROUGH PHYSICAL THERAPY

What is tendinitis? Tendinitis is a common issue among athletes because it develops as a result of overuse. While the average person may engage in standard physical tasks such as walking or typing, an athlete takes that repetitive behavior to a new level. Consider a tennis player, for example. In addition to running and jumping, a skilled tennis player will spend hours every week swinging the racket, and this could result in added wear and tear on the elbows and wrists, not to mention the shoulders. Every bone in the body is connected with muscular fibers called tendons. The tendons are flexible, allowing the body to move more freely by letting bones stretch apart or move in one direction or another. Tendinitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed. Swelling in the tendons can make movement painful and difficult. Typically, when pain is caused as a result of tendinitis, the pain is isolated at the noted areas of the body.This means that a tennis player may experience tendinitis in the elbow or shoulder, whereas a runner may be more likely to experience it in the Achilles tendon. In fact, this is why tendinitis in the elbow is frequently referred to as tennis elbow, while Achilles tendinitis is sometimes referred to as runner’s ankles or runner’s heels. Treating tendinitis The best treatment for tendinitis is time. Unfortunately, this is something that many people are unable to give to an injury. When tendinitis develops, the best thing to do is to use ice and to relax that part of the body. Taking a few days off of practice or away from your workout may be sufficient,

but in other cases, this may require a few days in a wheelchair or on crutches, with the bulk of your weight off of the affected area. Working with a physical therapist can help you identify the best treatment methods for tendinitis. Your physical therapist can also help you identify the best range of motion and strength-building activities to reduce your likelihood of developing tendinitis. For more information about preventing or treating pain from tendinitis, contact us.

Exercise Essentials Try this movement to loosen stiff legs.

DAIRY FREE RANCH SALAD DRESSING & DIP

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup raw, unsalted cashew pieces • ¼ cup plain, unsweetened, almond milk (or leave out if you want a thicker dip) • 1 clove garlic, minced • 3 Tablespoons chives, chopped • 3 Tablespoons parsley, chopped • 3 teaspoons raw apple cider vinegar • Sea salt to taste INSTRUCTIONS

Helps Stretch Legs

www.simpleset.net

HALF-KNEELING QUADRICEPS STRETCH (BALL) With an exercise ball behind you and stabilized against a wall, kneel on the floor and place the leg you would like to stretch against the ball. Your foot, ankle, and shin should rest against the ball and your knee should rest on the floor, with a pillow underneath if needed. While maintaining straight posture, shift your weight backwards, squeezing your leg against the ball, until you feel a stretch across the top of your thigh. Hold until you feel a nice stretch and repeat with the opposite leg.

Placethecashews inwaterandsoakovernight inthefridge.Drainandrinsethe nuts,theplacethem inablenderorfoodprocessorwiththealmondmilk,garlic, and vinegar. Blend 1-2 minutes adding water as needed to get the consistency you want. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend on low another minute. Recipe from: http://ournutritionkitchen.com/salads/dairy-free-ranch-salad- dressing-dip/

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