Tendonitis Treatment in Bartlett, TN
Calm Tendon Pain and Get Back to What You Love
Understanding Tendon Pain
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) is pain and irritation in a tendon, the tough cord of tissue that connects muscle to bone. It shows up most often at the elbow, shoulder, wrist, knee, hip and heel, anywhere a tendon is asked to pull the same way over and over. Researchers now often use the broader term tendinopathy, because long-lasting tendon pain usually involves changes in the tendon's structure more than true inflammation.
You might feel it as a sharp twinge when you grip a coffee mug, a deep ache at the front of the shoulder when you reach overhead, or stiffness in the back of the heel on your first steps in the morning. The pain often eases once the tendon warms up, then returns later in the day or the next morning.
Many patients in Bartlett and across the Memphis area put off care because the pain seems minor at first. Left alone, an irritated tendon can become a months-long problem. Good tendinitis treatment aims to calm the pain early, help the tendon heal and rebuild its ability to handle load.
Table of Contents
- 01 Why Tendonitis Happens
- 02 Tendons, Tight Muscles and the Road to Recovery
- 03 What Makes Tendonitis Worse?
- 04 Why Choose Worthington Chiropractic for Tendonitis Care in Bartlett, TN
- 05 Tendonitis Treatment Options Comparison
- 06 You May Be Experiencing Tendonitis If...
- 07 Related Services
- 08 Frequently Asked Questions
- 09 Scientific References
The Science
Why Tendonitis Happens
Tendons are built to handle load, but they adapt slowly. When the demand on a tendon rises faster than it can keep up, such as a new workout routine, a weekend of yard work or a job that repeats the same motion all day, tiny areas of the tendon break down faster than they repair. The National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus notes that tendinitis most often results from overuse and repetitive motion and becomes more common with age.
Because tendons have a limited blood supply, healing can stall. That is one reason we use shockwave therapy for tendonitis: acoustic pressure waves delivered to the painful area are thought to stimulate the body's repair response and may reduce pain in stubborn, long-standing tendon problems.
When the tendon is freshly irritated and sore, laser therapy for pain in Bartlett, TN is another option. We use cold laser, also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which applies gentle light to the tissue without heat. Research suggests it may help ease pain and support healing in some tendon conditions.
Deeper Understanding
Tendons, Tight Muscles and the Road to Recovery
Complete rest may quiet tendon pain for a while, but it also weakens the tendon, so the pain often returns as soon as you get back to normal activity. Most tendons recover best with a combination of pain relief and gradually increasing load. That is where rehabilitation therapy with progressive exercises fits in, helping the tendon get stronger so it can handle the work you ask of it.
Tight, overworked muscles also pull harder on the tendons they attach to. Soft tissue therapy with Graston Technique and myofascial release may help loosen those muscles and improve how the area moves. When a stiff shoulder, elbow or spine changes the way you move, chiropractic adjustments can address those joints too.
Tendon pain sometimes overlaps with other problems. Heel pain on your first morning steps may be plantar fasciitis rather than an Achilles issue, tender knots in the forearm or shoulder may be trigger points and muscle knots, and athletes can explore care from a sports chiropractor in Bartlett, TN.
Contributing Factors
What Makes Tendonitis Worse?
Identifying Your Triggers
Repetitive Motion
Typing, gripping tools, swinging a racket or golf club, or lifting at work loads the same tendon hundreds of times a day.
Sudden Load Increases
Starting a new sport, adding running miles quickly or tackling a big weekend project can outpace what a tendon is ready for.
Poor Mechanics
Stiff joints, muscle imbalances or awkward technique shift extra stress onto one tendon instead of sharing it across the area.
Tight or Weak Muscles
Short, tight muscles pull harder on their tendons, while weak muscles force tendons to absorb more of the load.
Age-Related Changes
Tendons become less flexible and slower to repair with age, so adults over 40 are more prone to tendon pain.
Pushing Through Pain
Ignoring early soreness and training or working through it can turn a short flare into a long-lasting tendon problem.
Why Worthington
Why Choose Worthington Chiropractic for Tendonitis Care in Bartlett, TN
Tendon Care in Bartlett
Extremity Expertise
Certified in extremity rehabilitation and adjusting, Dr. Worthington treats elbows, shoulders, knees and ankles, not just spines.
Shockwave and Laser
Shockwave therapy and cold laser therapy are both available on site, so your plan can match how long the tendon has hurt.
Hands-On Soft Tissue
Graston Technique and myofascial release address the tight muscles that keep pulling on an irritated tendon.
Trusted Locally
Winner of the 2025 Memphis Most Award for best chiropractic clinic, with nearly 300 five-star Google reviews.
Exam First
We examine the tendon and the joints and muscles around it, with on-site X-ray when needed, before choosing treatment.
Walk-Ins Welcome
Open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM on Stage Road in Bartlett, with walk-ins welcome.
Tendonitis Treatment Options Comparison
Is This You?
You May Be Experiencing Tendonitis If...
Recognizing When to Seek Help
Pain With Use
The area hurts when you use that muscle, like gripping, lifting, reaching overhead, climbing stairs or pushing off to run.
Morning Stiffness
The tendon feels stiff and sore first thing in the morning or after sitting, then loosens as you start moving.
Tender to the Touch
Pressing on the tendon near where it attaches to the bone brings a sharp, very localized tenderness.
Mild Swelling
You notice slight puffiness or thickening over the tendon, sometimes with a feeling of warmth after activity.
Weaker Grip or Push
Holding a pan, opening a jar or pushing off the ground feels weaker than usual because the pain limits effort.
Pain That Lingers
The soreness has lasted more than a couple of weeks, or it keeps coming back each time you return to activity.
Treatments
Related Services
Explore the non-surgical treatments we use for tendonitis.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise, hands-on spinal adjustments that restore alignment, ease pain and help you move freely.
Learn More
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Gentle, computer-controlled traction on the Triton 6M to ease disc pressure and nerve pain.
Learn More 
Prenatal Chiropractic
Gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustments for back, hip and pelvic comfort as your body changes.
Learn More Your Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About Tendonitis Treatment
What is the difference between tendonitis and tendinopathy?
Tendonitis means an irritated, painful tendon, while tendinopathy is the broader term for tendon pain and changes in the tendon's structure. Many long-lasting cases involve more tissue breakdown than inflammation, which is why care focuses on healing and strengthening the tendon, not only calming swelling.
Can a chiropractor help with tendonitis?
Yes, many patients with tendonitis see a chiropractor for non-surgical care. Dr. Worthington is certified in extremity rehabilitation and uses shockwave therapy, cold laser therapy, soft tissue work and exercise to help ease tendon pain. If your exam suggests a tear or other injury, he will refer you for medical evaluation.
How does shockwave therapy help tendonitis?
Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic pressure waves to the painful tendon, which is thought to stimulate the body's natural repair process. Research reviews suggest it may reduce pain in several chronic tendon conditions. Sessions are short, and most patients describe a rapid tapping feeling that is uncomfortable but tolerable.
Is laser therapy painful?
No, cold laser therapy is painless. We use low-level laser therapy, which applies gentle light to the tissue without heating it, so most patients feel little or nothing during treatment. It is often used when a tendon is sore and irritated, alongside other therapies in your plan.
How long does tendonitis take to heal?
Healing time depends on which tendon is involved, how long it has hurt and how much load it faces day to day. Mild, recent cases may settle in a few weeks, while long-standing tendinopathy can take a few months. Many patients notice change within the first few weeks of care.
Should I rest completely if I have tendonitis?
Usually not. Short-term relief from aggravating activities helps, but complete rest weakens the tendon and makes flares more likely when you return. Most tendons recover best with guided, gradually increasing exercise, which we build into your plan based on how the tendon responds.
What happens at my first visit?
Your first visit includes a consultation and a full chiropractic exam, with X-rays if needed. Your first visit covers the consultation, exam, X-rays if needed and your first adjustment. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM, or call (901) 519-7777.
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8AM to 6PM
- Phone
- (901) 519-7777
Ready to Feel Better?
Schedule Your Appointment
Scientific References
- Millar NL et al., Nature Reviews Disease Primers. (2021). Review of tendinopathy covering its causes, diagnosis and management, emphasizing load-based rehabilitation. PMID: 33414454.
- Cook JL et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine. (2009). Proposed a continuum model explaining how load-induced tendinopathy progresses and presents clinically. PMID: 18812414.
- Schmitz C et al., British Medical Bulletin. (2015). Systematic review finding extracorporeal shock wave therapy effective and safe for several tendinopathies and other orthopedic conditions. PMID: 26585999.
- Tumilty S et al., Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. (2010). Systematic review and meta-analysis suggesting low level laser therapy may help tendinopathy when recommended dosages are used. PMID: 19708800.
- Bjordal JM et al., BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. (2008). Meta-analysis finding low level laser therapy at appropriate doses may relieve pain in lateral elbow tendinopathy. PMID: 18510742.