Okuzeka
Physiotherapy vocabulary · Musculoskeletal Conditions

Tendinopathy

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

/ˌtɛndɪˈnɑːpəθi/nounCommon term

In physiotherapy, tendinopathy means: A painful tendon problem, often linked to more load than the tendon could cope with, which leads to pain and reduced function.

In Turkish: tendinopati

How it is used

The preferred modern term, often replacing 'tendinitis' because inflammation is not always the main process. Common sites are the Achilles, patellar, gluteal and rotator cuff tendons. Physiotherapy usually centres on gradually loading the tendon with exercise.

Example sentences

  1. He developed Achilles tendinopathy after increasing his running too quickly.

  2. Rest alone rarely fixes tendinopathy; the tendon needs the right amount of load.

Common collocations

  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • patellar tendinopathy
  • gluteal tendinopathy
  • load the tendon
  • isometric exerciseExercise in which a muscle works and tightens but the joint does not move, for example pushing against a wall.
  • progressionThe step-by-step increase in the difficulty or load of an exercise programme as the patient improves.
  • inflammationThe body's natural response to injury or infection, which brings redness, heat, swelling and pain to the affected area.
  • rotator cuffA group of four muscles and their tendons around the shoulder joint, which keep the top of the arm bone centred in the joint and help to rotate and lift the arm.

More terms: Musculoskeletal Conditions

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