Chiropractic Treatment for Tendonitis: A Natural Solution for Lasting Relief
Tendonitis pain can interfere with your ability to work, exercise, or even perform everyday tasks. If you’re struggling with lingering pain, stiffness, or swelling, chiropractic care may offer the relief you’ve been looking for—without relying on medication or invasive procedures. At Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center, we provide gentle, targeted treatment to help reduce inflammation, restore function, and support your body’s natural healing process.
Tendonitis, also spelled tendinitis, refers to the inflammation or irritation of a tendon—a thick, fibrous cord that connects muscle to bone. This condition can affect various areas of the body, and its name often changes based on the location. Common forms of tendonitis include:
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Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
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Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
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Jumper’s knee (patellar tendonitis)
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Pitcher’s shoulder (rotator cuff tendonitis)
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Trigger finger
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Achilles tendonitis
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Thumb or wrist tendonitis
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Biceps or triceps tendonitis
Tendonitis often develops from overuse, repetitive movements, or biomechanical imbalances. Whether you’re an athlete, an office worker, or someone who enjoys gardening or DIY projects, tendonitis can impact your quality of life.
Tendonitis symptoms can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. If left untreated, the condition may worsen or even become chronic. Common signs of tendonitis include:
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Localized pain that may radiate into the surrounding area (e.g., shoulder, forearm, or heel)
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Swelling, warmth, or redness near the affected tendon
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Joint stiffness or restricted range of motion
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Increased pain during movement or after physical activity
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A sensation of grating or crackling when moving the joint
Understanding the root cause of your tendonitis is key to effective treatment. Several factors can increase your risk, including:
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Repetitive motion: Activities like tennis, golf, typing, cleaning, or lifting can put continuous stress on tendons.
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Poor posture: Slouching or misalignment can shift extra strain to muscles and tendons.
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Improper biomechanics: Muscle imbalances or joint restrictions can force certain muscles to overcompensate, leading to overuse injuries.
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Aging: As we age, tendons naturally lose elasticity and become more prone to inflammation and injury.
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Technology use: The rise of smartphones and tablets has led to “smartphone tendonitis,” a condition affecting the wrists, thumbs, or forearms.
Chiropractic treatment takes a whole-body, drug-free approach to healing tendonitis. Rather than masking symptoms with painkillers, chiropractic care focuses on resolving the underlying issues contributing to tendon inflammation.
Here’s how chiropractic treatment can help you recover from tendonitis:
1. Reduces Inflammation Naturally
Misalignments in the spine or extremity joints—called subluxations—can cause uneven muscle tension and inflammation. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment and relieve pressure on surrounding soft tissues. When your spine and joints move correctly, tendons experience less strain and can heal more effectively.
2. Improves Range of Motion
Chiropractors use a combination of manual adjustments, soft tissue therapy, stretching, and targeted exercises to improve joint mobility. Restoring flexibility not only eases pain but also helps prevent scar tissue buildup that can limit movement. For instance, treating ankle mobility may reduce stress on the Achilles tendon and support more fluid movement.
3. Identifies and Corrects Muscle Imbalances
Many cases of tendonitis result from muscle imbalances—when one group of muscles is overworked while others are underused. A chiropractor can assess your posture, movement patterns, and muscle function to pinpoint the imbalance. By correcting these issues, we help you avoid recurring injuries.
4. Provides Personalized Strengthening and Stretching Plans
Chiropractors often prescribe rehabilitative exercises designed to restore balance and strengthen weak muscle groups. This approach supports tendon healing and prevents re-injury. If tight or shortened muscles are contributing to your condition, you’ll also receive stretching techniques to keep those muscles loose and functional.
5. Supports Whole-Body Healing
Many chiropractic clinics, including ours, take an integrative approach to care. This may include advice on anti-inflammatory nutrition, ergonomic adjustments, postural retraining, and stress reduction. These lifestyle strategies can amplify the effects of in-office treatments and support long-term recovery.
Yes—chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive treatment option for most people dealing with tendonitis. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate musculoskeletal conditions and provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. If your condition requires additional medical intervention, your chiropractor can refer you to a specialist or work in conjunction with your existing healthcare providers.
Tendonitis doesn’t have to sideline you for weeks or months. If you’re tired of living with chronic pain, reduced mobility, or frustration over slow recovery, chiropractic care may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
At Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you heal naturally and regain your active lifestyle. We combine advanced techniques with a caring, individualized approach to care.
Schedule a consultation to find out how chiropractic treatment can relieve your tendonitis symptoms—naturally and effectively..
In order to back up the information in our articles, Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center exclusively cites high-quality sources such as peer-reviewed research. We strive to provide accurate, dependable, and trustworthy content based on the best evidence avaliable.
- “Pinion - Smartphone Tendinitis - Aaos.” Ortho, Accessed 5 May 2025. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/ortho-pinion-smartphone-tendinitis/
- “Tendonitis.” Harvard Health, 15 Dec. 2014 www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/tendonitis.
- Kobsar B, Alcantara J. Post-surgical care of a professional ballet dancer following calcaneal exostectomy and debridement with re-attachment of the left Achilles tendon. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2009 Mar;53(1):17-22. PMID: 19421349; PMCID: PMC2652627. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2652627/