Sports injuries: Tendinitis treatment: Achilles Tendinitis
We regularly treat Tendinitis in our central Peverell Chiropractic Clinic. The Knee, ankle, elbow in fact most joints can have an associated tendinitis, Achilles tendonitis refers to the inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is the largest, thickest and strongest tendon in the body. It measures about six inches in length and it joins the calf muscles, the soleus and gastrocnemius to the rear of the heel bone.
Anatomy of the Achilles Tendon.
Tendinitis of the Achilles tendon, generally caused by overuse of the affected limb, overuse of both the tendons and muscles of the limb is common among people training under less than ideal conditions. Injuries of the Achilles tendon may begin gradually and maybe fairly well progressed before the pain is felt or they may occur because of an overexertion injury, for example running much further than normal or altering your running routine, for eg. running over a more hilly course than you are used to. Non sporting incidences are often related to footwear, for example wearing flip flops on holiday when you are used to wearing a slight heel, or walking barefoot along the beach for a few miles, a rare event in the UK with the weather the way it has been in the last few years!. Tightness of the calf muscles may be a precipitating factor so this condition may occur a few weeks after beginning a fitness routine if you have not exercised for a long time. Very occassionally a very mild Sciatica (an irritation of the Sciatic nerve) may precipitate a tendinitis as the calf muscles may tighten because of the increased firing of the nerves supplying them.
The principles of our treatment of Tendinitis injuries
We use a multifactorial approach to treatment in our clinic as we find that this provides more effective results.
Achilles Tendon taping
Tendinitis treatments in our clinic consist of of a combination of the following techniques, all of which are helpful but need to be used in conjunction with each other.
- Inflammation reduction using ice, and medication (if permissible).
- Our Core treatment consisting of Massage, Deep tissue therapy and fascial manipulation to reduce muscle spasm, scar tissue and facilitate fascial and tendon repair and healing.
- Taping the affected area to support the damaged tissues and muscles to speed up recovery.
- Exercise therapy and stretching to strengthen and return the weakened muscles, damaged tendons and connective tissue to their normal state.
Just giving exercises is only a partial treatment as is just taping the affected areas:
As with any tendinitis the inflammation must first be reduced. This is normally apparent a a slight swelling at the base of
Elena Long our Sports Massage Therapist relaxing a tight calf muscle
the tendon near the heel. This is normally facilitated by regularly icing the area and taking a short course of anti-inflammatory tablets. During this time it is important that the area is correctly taped to support the tendon and prevent excessive stretching. Kinesio taping is ideal for this as it can also be used to help reduce the local inflammation at the tendon/bone junction on the heel (Calcaneous). Advice on footwear as it is helpful for the first few weeks to try and avoid walking barefoot or with heelless shoes as these tend to put excessive tension onto the Achilles tendon.
Deep tissue therapy, fascial release and sports massage are used in our clinic to facilitate healing and repair of the damaged tendon and contracted and tight calf muscles.
The common tendinitis and soft tissue injuries we treat are shown below:
Taping a knee tendinitis in our Plymouth clinic.
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfers elbow
- Patella tendinitis
- RSI
- Shoulder rotator cuff injuries
- Runners knee
- Medial ligament injuries of the knee
- Ankle sprains
What is Kinesio tape?
Chiropractor Kevin Kelly is a certificated Kinesio taping practitioner.
Introduction
Dr. Kenzo Kase, founder of the Kinesio Taping method received his Doctorate of Chiropractic (D Chiro) from the National College of Chiropractics.
He runs a practice in the United States. Through Dr Kase”s clinical experience he found that joint pain resulted from the abnormality of muscles and myo-fascial tissues around the joint rather than from the joint itself.
With this understanding, he developed and introduced Kinesio Taping in the 70″s to correct abnormalities of muscles and myo-fascial tissues.
The consequent kinesiology taping practice should be regarded more as a “therapy” or “methodology” than a taping technique.
4 Major Functions and Effects of Kinesiology Taping
To normalise muscle functio
To improve lymphatic and blood flow
To reduce and manage pain
To correct the misalignment of joints and tissues
The Tape
The thickness of the tape is the same as that of the skin epidermis
The capacity of tape to stretch to 130 -140% is similar to elasticity of the skin
The high-quality, 100% cotton material is covered with a layer of acrylic glue
The combination of tape material and sine wave glue application allows the release of sweat and permits skin respiration
The tape is applied to the backing paper with approximately 25% stretch
Irritation of the skin has not been reported.
The tape can work for more than 4 or 5 days
Kinesiology Tape allows the normalisation of both over-stretched and over-contracted muscles; it also promotes the flow of lymphatic fluids and blood.
Differences:Traditional Athletic Taping vs Kinesiology
Traditional Athletic Taping Kinesiology Taping
Sports Taping is a mechanical methodology
Kinesiology Taping is a sensory methodology
Sports Taping is for functional immobilisation
Kinesiology Taping therapy offers potential of restoring full range of movement
Sports taping methods aim to protect muscles
Kinesiology Taping methods seek to normalise muscle function
Immobilisation created through sports taping therapy can inhibit blood circulation
Kinesiology Taping therapy can improve blood circulation.
Information provided by Levotape©
CORE STRENGTH EXERCISES POSTURE AND HEALTH
CORE STRENGTH EXERCISES POSTURE AND HEALTH. A lot of people think that the spine is an inflexible rod but it is actually quite flexible. Its structure is strong and reflects the dynamic movement of the human body. It protects both the sensitive and delicate spinal cord and spinal nerves as well as supporting the body and all its organs. Every activity, even breathing, demands movement of the spine, ribs and attachments. The spine gives the human structure both strength and agility.
Human beings are classified as ‘biped’ meaning stands erect on two legs. This position gives man leverage, mobility and agility but at the same time can cause certain structural stresses.
The most obvious benefit of good posture is efficiency and comfort. But because of the interrelationship of the structural (bone) and functional (organ) systems of the body, posture can determine health. Poor posture comprises the movements of the rib cage and doesn’t allow the lungs to function at maximum efficiency in order to bring much needed oxygen to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide wastes. When body posture is not good other organs of the body can also be restricted. This causes structural stress.
A chiropractor specializes in body mechanics. He is concerned with structural, muscular and neurological aspects of the human body. With treatment he aims to maintain sound structure of the body by correcting spinal and postural problems. Remember core strength exercises posture and health are all inter-related.
The Importance of Posture to Physical Development
If you have good posture you’ll stand straighter and look better but advantages to correct posture go further than your appearance.
In 1930, the White House Conference on Child Health recognized the importance of spinal integrity in the physical development of the child. Doctors have, since then, stressed how important it is to health, agreeing with chiropractors emphasis of the importance of good body mechanics AND STRENGTHING THE MUSCLES SUPPORTING THE SPINE WITH CORE EXERCISES.
The human body is subject to rhythm, balance, timing and coordinated action of all its components. Having the right posture enables the body to work more efficiently, allowing proper development.
Can Posture Affect Mental Attitude?
Your image is affected by your posture, as other people see you as you see yourself. It reflects your personality, your confidence, your attitude, your ability and your health.
There is an interrelationship between how you stand, sit and walk and how you feel. Other people can also tell whether you’re a positive or negative person, a strong or weak person, a healthy or ill person.
Check your Posture
There are a lot of tests for evaluating your posture, many needing precise instruments and expert evaluation. However, you may wish to give yourself a preliminary self-test.
Test 1
Stand with your back to the wall. Place head, shoulder blades, calves and heels against the wall. Place your hands at your
sides. Flatten the hollow of your back by pressing the buttocks back against the wall. If the space at your back of your waist is greater than the thickness of your hand, your posture is not correct.
Test 2
Face a wall with your toes touching the wall. If your posture is correct, your chest will just touch the wall. If your head touches, your posture is fair. If your abdomen touches, your posture is poor.
Test 3
Face a full-length mirror and view your shoulders and hips. These areas should be level. If one shoulder is higher or one hip is lower, there is an imbalance in your posture which should be checked professionally.
If a postural problem is indicated as a result of the self-test, it would be wise to discuss it with your chiropractor. He will be able to determine if there is a health or developmental problem and recommend proper procedures. As a preliminary to treatment, the chiropractor will examine your spine and related tissues. You can depend upon his specialized knowledge to diagnose the problem, and offer corrective treatment and sound advice.
What Causes Poor Posture?
There are many reasons for poor posture, the most serious of which is a birth defect. Normally it’s a combination of several reasons that causes a person to have poor posture. Among the causes are the following:
1 Visual problems.
2 Emotional problems.
3 Excessive weight.
4 Foot problems or improper shoes.
5 Weak Muscles, muscle imbalance.
6 Improper nutrition.
7 Laziness.
8 Poor sleep support ( mattress )
9 Injury to muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones.
10 Negative mental and physical attitudes.
11 Occupational stress and position.
Many Postural Faults Can Be Helped
If you have poor posture it can be serious in terms of health, comfort and efficiency, causing fatigue. Most of the problems caused can be helped. If you have what seems to be a postural problem then you should seek advice from a chiropractor. Unless there is an anatomical ( structural deformity ) or pathological ( disease-caused ) disturbance, the chances for correction are excellent.
Out Core exercise program produces excellent results, after a few months of doing the correct core exercises your posture changes……you stand straighter and taller because your muscles are supporting your spine and organs the way they were intended.
If poor posture is not corrected, it can affect the health and well-being of the individual. Poor posture contributes to shallow breathing: a cramped chest cavity, faulty digestion, poor elimination, and poor venous return, each of which affects not only the functions of individual organs, but also the system. Tiredness and reduced coordination are just two of many symptoms of a body that is not functioning efficiently.
What Are The Benefits Of Correct Posture?
1. Improves your health.
2. Improves your appearance.
3. Improves your coordination.
4. Increases your strength.
5. Gives you more stamina.
6. Makes your clothes fit better.
7. Gives you better body balance and makes you more agile.
8. Reduces the possibility of injury.
9. Gives you confidence.
10. Helps in physical and mental development.
tags: core strength exercises posture and health, core strength exercises,
