Tendinitis is a painful condition caused by irritation or inflammation of a tendon, according to the Mayo Clinic. A tendon is a band that connects muscle to bone. The tendon can become inflamed for a variety of reasons. While rest, ice and immobilizing the affected area are important parts of the initial recovery stage, you should avoid prolonged immobility to decrease the chance of stiffness. Certain exercises, including yoga, may be an effective way to help improve tendinitis symptoms.
Symptoms of Tendinitis
Three main symptoms accompany tendinitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The most obvious is a dull pain, which usually occurs at the point where your bone attaches to the muscle. You may also experience slight swelling, inflammation or an aching, sore or tender feeling in the affected area.
Causes of Tendinitis
Tendinitis is usually caused by frequently performed repetitive actions, such as those that may occur with specific types of jobs, sports or hobbies. In sports, the condition is often referred to as tennis or golfer's elbow, for example, because you constantly use the elbow during these activities, increasing the likelihood of inflammation and injury. Additionally, it's possible, but not as likely, that you can develop tendinitis from a sudden injury, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment of Tendinitis
According to the Mayo Clinic, most cases of tendinitis can be effectively treated using a combination of self-care measures and medical treatments. Most of the time, ice, rest and over-the-counter pain relievers are beneficial. In some cases, you may require cortisone injections, physical therapy or surgery. Self-care measures include adequate rest, immobilizing the area to avoid unnecessary motion or further injury, icing and compressing the area by wrapping it with compressive bandages to reduce swelling. If the condition affects your knee, it may be beneficial for you to elevate it during the initial stages of recovery to reduce swelling.
Benefits of Yoga
According to the Tirasula Yoga Center, an international yoga teacher training academy, yoga may help to support the healing process from tendinitis by activating your lymphatic system, which helps to maintain your body's fluid balance and protect against infections, and improving circulation. Yoga is best used after you have adequately treated the affected area during the acute stage, which generally occurs for the first four to six days after an injury. Specific poses can be recommended by a qualified yoga therapist or teacher, based on your specific condition.
Warning
You should always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program after an injury. Don't attempt a yoga program without first consulting your physician, a physical therapist or a qualified yoga practitioner. Performing exercises and stretches without proper instruction and support can exacerbate your condition.
