Understanding Tendon Structure
Tendons are made primarily of collagen fibres, designed to transmit the force generated by muscles to bones. They are incredibly strong — capable of withstanding loads up to 8–10 times your body weight during high-impact movements such as sprinting or jumping.
However, tendons have a limited blood supply, which means they heal more slowly than muscles. Studies estimate that up to 30% of active adults and up to 50% of athletes experience a form of tendinopathy during their lifetime.
Types of Tendinopathy
“Tendinopathy” is an umbrella term that includes several specific conditions affecting the tendon or surrounding tissues:
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• Tendonitis – inflammation of the tendon.
• Tendinosis – chronic degeneration of the tendon fibres.
• Bursitis – inflammation of the bursa (a cushioning sac near the tendon).
• Tenosynovitis – inflammation of the tendon sheath.
Common Tendinopathies We Treat
• Hip: Gluteus medius and proximal hamstring tendinopathy
• Groin: Hip flexor and proximal adductor tendinopathy
• Elbow: Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• Shoulder: Rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Foot: Plantar fasciitis, flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendinopathy
• Lower leg: Shin splints, Peroneal tendonitis
• Knee: Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome, patellar or quadricep tendinopathy
• Wrist: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis or repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
RECOVERY AND TREATMENT
Most tendinopathies are not serious, but if left untreated, they can persist for 6 to 24 months and significantly affect daily function and performance.
At our physiotherapy clinic, we focus on early intervention, load management, and movement correction to ensure faster recovery.
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With our evidence-based approach, most patients recover within 2 to 6 months, sometimes even faster when the condition is addressed in its early stages.
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Don’t let tendon pain hold you back.