Tendonitis:
Tendonitis treatment for shoulder, elbow, knee and Achilles pain in Polk County
Tendon pain that flares when you start moving, eases as you warm up and aches again later is a hallmark of tendonitis. Physical therapy is the main treatment. At Core Rehabilitation's three clinics in Polk County, Florida (Lake Wales, Haines City and Winter Haven), a licensed physical therapist finds which tendon is overloaded and why, then builds it back up with a plan you can follow at home. You don't need a referral to start.
Serving Lake Wales · Haines City · Winter Haven
What's actually going on: Tendonitis: the short version
Tendons connect muscle to bone. When a tendon is asked to do more than it's ready for (a new job task, a jump in training, a weekend of yard work), it can become painful. That's tendonitis, also spelled tendinitis. When it lasts more than a few weeks, clinicians often call it tendinopathy, because the problem is more about a tendon that has lost some strength than about inflammation.
Tendon pain is usually felt in one spot, gets worse with use and is often stiff in the morning or after rest. Common places are the shoulder (rotator cuff and biceps tendons), the elbow (tennis elbow and golfer's elbow), the wrist and thumb (De Quervain's tenosynovitis), the knee (patellar tendon, often called jumper's knee) and the back of the ankle (Achilles tendon).
Bursitis, irritation of a small cushioning sac near a tendon, often comes with it, especially at the shoulder and hip. Your therapist confirms what's sore before choosing exercises.
When tendon pain needs a doctor first
Most tendon pain is safe to assess with a physical therapist, but a few signs need a doctor first. If any of these apply, see a doctor or go to urgent care before you book physical therapy.
A pop or snap followed by sudden weakness, such as not being able to lift your arm or push off your toes. A tendon may have torn.
Heat, redness and swelling around the tendon, or a fever.
Tendon pain that started after a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. Call the doctor who prescribed it.
Pain and swelling in several joints at once, or with a rash.
If none of these apply, physical therapy is a safe and reasonable place to start.
How we help: How physical therapy treats tendonitis
Physical therapy for tendonitis starts with an evaluation. Your therapist finds the exact tendon involved, tests its strength and checks the joints above and below. They ask what changed before it started: a new task, more training, new shoes or a new tool.
Treatment combines a loading program that starts with gentle holds (isometric exercises) to calm pain, then builds to slow, heavier strength work, with hands-on care, including instrument-assisted soft tissue work, and changes to training, tasks and technique so the tendon isn't overloaded again.
Taping, ice, heat, ultrasound or electrical stimulation can calm a flare. You may also get advice on a brace or strap, and on your workstation or tools.
Tendons get stronger with the right load, not with rest alone. That's why progressive strengthening is the core of the clinical practice guidelines for Achilles tendon pain and the main treatment studied for knee and elbow tendon pain.
"Should I stop using it until the pain is gone?"
Usually not. Complete rest can leave the tendon weaker. Mild pain during exercise that settles by the next morning is often fine. Your therapist sets the limits for you.
"It's inflammation, so don't I just need anti-inflammatories?"
Not usually, if the pain has lasted more than a few weeks. Long-lasting tendon pain involves changes in the tendon itself, so strengthening matters more. Ask your doctor before taking anti-inflammatory medicine regularly.
How long it lasts: How long does tendonitis last?
A recent flare can settle in a few weeks once the load is right. Tendon pain that has been there for months usually needs about 3 months of steady strengthening, because tendons adapt slowly.
If it hasn't improved after about 3 months of steady treatment, your therapist will tell you, and an orthopedic or sports medicine doctor can look at next steps.
What to expect: How long does it take to feel better?
It depends on which tendon is sore, how long it's been sore and what you're asking it to do. Results differ from person to person. After your evaluation, your therapist will tell you what's realistic for you.
Your first visit is a conversation about when the pain started, what changed around then and what you want to get back to. Then comes testing. It usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. A licensed physical therapist does your first evaluation and writes your plan of care. Between therapist visits, a physical therapist assistant may treat you under that plan. Here's what your first visit involves →
Early on, the focus is calming pain with the right amount of load, gentle holds and changes to the tasks that flare it.
As you progress, heavier, slower strength work and a step-by-step return to sport, the gym or full work duties help keep it from coming back.
Before you come in, bring the shoes you train or work in if it's your knee or ankle. Wear clothes that let your therapist see the sore area.
Who treats it: Who treats tendonitis: a physical therapist, a sports medicine doctor or your doctor?
For most tendon pain, a physical therapist is a good first stop. In Florida you can book directly, without a referral.
See your doctor or an orthopedic or sports medicine doctor first, or as well, if you had sudden weakness after a pop, which can mean a tear, or if pain hasn't eased after about 3 months of steady treatment.
They can order imaging and talk about other options, such as injections. We're glad to work alongside them.
Where to get treated: Tendonitis treatment at our Lake Wales, Haines City and Winter Haven clinics
Winter Haven: 3017 Cypress Gardens Rd, about a mile from LEGOLAND Florida. Mon–Fri 9–12 and 1–5. 863-268-6523.
Lake Wales: 2031 State Rd 60 East, at SR 60 and Buck Moore Rd. Mon–Fri 8–12 and 1–5. 863-678-0705.
Haines City: 50 Maxcy Plaza Circle, just off US 27. Mon–Fri 8–12 and 1–5. 863-421-2000.
Every clinic treats tendonitis in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle, and Spanish-speaking staff are available. Most new patients get a first appointment within a few days to three weeks.
Common questions about tendonitis
Is physical therapy good for tendonitis?
Yes. Physical therapy is the main treatment for most tendon pain. A strengthening program, hands-on care and changes to how you load the tendon help most people get back to their activities.
What exercise is best for tendonitis?
There's no single best one. Most plans start with gentle holds and move to slow, heavier strengthening for the muscle that pulls on the tendon, such as heel raises for the Achilles or slow squats for the knee. Your therapist picks and progresses them for you.
What should you not do with tendonitis?
Avoid big, sudden jumps in activity, and avoid complete rest. Cut back on the movements that leave you sorer the next day, then build up again gradually.
How long does tendonitis take to heal with physical therapy?
A recent flare can settle in a few weeks. Tendon pain that has lasted months usually needs about 3 months of steady strengthening.
Do I need a referral for tendonitis treatment?
No. In Florida you can start physical therapy without a physician's referral. If you need treatment beyond 30 days for a problem no doctor has assessed, a doctor must review and sign your plan of care.
Where can I get tendonitis treatment in Lake Wales?
At Core Rehabilitation, 2031 State Rd 60 East, Lake Wales (863-678-0705). We also treat tendonitis at our Haines City and Winter Haven clinics.
Is tendonitis the same as bursitis?
No. Tendonitis affects a tendon; bursitis is irritation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions it. They often happen together, especially at the shoulder and hip, and physical therapy treats both.
Request an appointment
Tell us a little about you and your preferred location, and our team will reach out to schedule your visit. Prefer to talk? Call the clinic nearest you.
Lake Wales · 863-678-0705
Haines City · 863-421-2000
Winter Haven · 863-268-6523