Got tendon pain? Let us help you get on top of your painful and frustrating tendinopathy
Tendinopathy is a condition characterized by pain, swelling, and impaired function of a tendon — the thick fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. It typically develops gradually due to overuse or repetitive loading, rather than from a sudden injury.
Tendinopathy affects tendons in various parts of the body, such as the Achilles, patellar (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), and elbow (tennis elbow).
Common causes of tendinopathy
Tendinopathy usually develops when the tendon is subjected to loads beyond its capacity to repair, often from:
Repetitive or excessive loading – repetitive movements or sudden increases in activity intensity or volume
Poor biomechanics or technique – inefficient movement patterns increasing tendon stress
Muscle weakness or imbalance – inadequate support for the tendon during movement
Inadequate recovery – insufficient rest between training sessions or activities
Age and tendon health – tendons become less resilient with age and some medical conditions
How we can help manage your tendinopathy
We take an evidence-based, individualized approach to managing tendinopathy, focusing on restoring tendon health, reducing pain, and improving function.
Thorough Assessment & Diagnosis
Our physiotherapists identify the affected tendon, severity, and contributing factors through detailed clinical evaluation. Imaging is rarely required but may be used selectively.
Progressive Loading Programs
Loading the tendon progressively with targeted exercises is the cornerstone of treatment. This often involves heavy slow resistance training or eccentric exercises designed to stimulate tendon healing and remodelling.
Strong evidence supports progressive loading as the most effective treatment for tendinopathy (Malliaras et al., 2015)
Biomechanical and Movement Correction
We assess and address any biomechanical issues, muscle weaknesses, or faulty movement patterns that may contribute to excess tendon stress.
Correcting technique and muscle imbalances reduces re-injury risk (Riel et al., 2020)
Education & Activity Modification
Understanding your condition and managing activity levels — including pacing and load management — is critical to avoid aggravation and promote recovery.
Education combined with load management improves adherence and outcomes (Rio et al., 2016)
Physio for tendinopathy: FAQs
No. It’s more about tendon adaptation to load than inflammation.
Complete rest weakens tendons. They need progressive loading.
Not necessarily. Some discomfort during rehab is safe.
Not usually. Strength loading is key.
No. Most cases resolve with progressive rehab.
No. They’re common in both active and less active people.
Areas We Serve
We provide physiotherapy services to clients with tendinopathy across the Perth northern suburbs. Some of the most common areas we serve include:
Doubleview, Scarborough, Innaloo, Woodlands, Wembley Downs, Churchlands, Karrinyup, Gwelup, Osborne Park, City Beach, Floreat, and Trigg.
If you're located nearby and looking for expert tendinopathy care, we're just a short drive away.
Additionally, we provide expert and specialist physiotherapy care to many clients who live in Perth and regional Western Australia – your rehabilitation is our priority and many of our clients are prepared to drive further to receive quality care.