When persistent tendon pain or frustrating flare-ups slow you down, it’s more than a nuisance. For countless individuals across Fort Worth and beyond, tendinopathy is a barrier to doing what they love.

At Curnyn Physical Therapy, you’re not just another case file—we understand the daily impact of tendon discomfort and are equipped with the expertise and compassion to help you heal.

This guide explores tendinopathy, including tendinitis and tendinosis. We’ll break down what’s happening inside your body, why injuries keep coming back, the most effective treatment options, and how Curnyn PT’s personalized approach empowers your path to lasting relief.

Understanding Tendinopathy: What You Need to Know

What Is Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy is a broad term describing pain, swelling, or dysfunction within a tendon. Tendons are the robust bands that connect muscle to bone, allowing for smooth movement. When they become irritated or degenerate—with or without visible inflammation—tendinopathy can develop.

You may have heard terms like:

Tendinitis (acute inflammation of the tendon)
Tendinosis (degeneration and micro-tears of tendon fibers, often with little to no inflammation)

Regardless of the term, the result is similar for many folks, in Fort Worth or across the country: persistent pain, reduced mobility, and a real impact on day-to-day activities.

Common Symptoms Everyone Should Recognize

Dull or sharp pain near a joint (elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle, etc.)
Swelling, warmth, or thickening of the tendon area
Stiffness that worsens with activity or after rest
Weakness in the affected area

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Our certified team sees these patterns often, especially among adults over 40, active professionals, and anyone managing chronic mobility issues.

Why Does Tendinopathy Happen

Understanding the “why” behind your pain is a big step toward relief.

Most Common Causes

Repetitive Motions: Typing, lifting, gardening, or athletic activity can overstress a tendon over time.
Acute Overload: Pushing your limits (even just once) with heavy lifting or new activities.
Age-Related Changes: Tendons naturally lose elasticity with age, making them prone to wear and tear.
Poor Movement Patterns: Bad posture or improper form shifts extra strain onto tendons.
Underlying Health Conditions: Diabetes, arthritis, and other systemic illnesses increase risk.

“Why does this keep happening to me?” It’s a question we field often. The answer is almost always tied to these root causes—but the specifics are unique for each patient. That’s why personalized assessment is at the center of every visit at Curnyn PT.

Tendinopathy Versus Tendinitis and Tendinosis: What’s the Difference

These terms can feel like a mouthful at your doctor’s office, but understanding the difference is important for your recovery.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis describes short-term inflammation of the tendon. Think of it as the body’s “alarm bell” after a sudden spike in activity. Rest, ice, and gentle movement plans often help here.

Tendinosis

Tendinosis signals a longer, more persistent breakdown of tendon tissue. There’s little true inflammation. Instead, the tendon fibers become disorganized, sometimes frayed, and slow to heal. This is where targeted therapeutic movement, expert manual therapy, and patience are key.

Reactive and Degenerative Tendinopathy

It’s also important to understand "reactive" and "degenerative" tendinopathy, as they describe different stages of tendon injury. Reactive tendinopathy often occurs after a sudden increase in load or activity and involves temporary tendon thickening as the tissue reacts to stress. Degenerative tendinopathy, on the other hand, refers to long-term tendon changes where the tissue becomes weaker and less organized, often requiring more intensive and specific interventions. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for proper management and recovery.

The Takeaway

Most tendon pain lingers beyond the quick-fix stage. If you’re reading this and still hurting weeks or months later, tendinosis or chronic tendinopathy may be at play. That’s where specialized physical therapy makes a real difference.

How Is Tendinopathy Diagnosed

Getting the right diagnosis and immediate therapy is critical. At Curnyn PT, here’s what you can expect:

Comprehensive Evaluation Includes

Hands-on Assessment: Our physical therapists evaluate mobility, strength, and functional movement, using testing and diagnostics to provide patients with answers and clarity during their very first visit.
Detailed Medical History: Understanding your activities, past injuries, and goals.
Diagnostic Tools: Sometimes, imaging like ultrasound or MRI (typically ordered by your physician) can clarify tendon damage, but hands-on expertise is often enough.

The Road to Relief: Effective Treatment Options

No two tendon injuries are the same, which is why we build therapeutic movement plans tailored to you. Here’s what evidence-based care looks like at Curnyn PT.

Phase :1 Managing Pain and Swelling

Activity Modification: We guide you on adjusting routines without losing momentum.
Manual Therapy: Skilled, hands-on techniques improve mobility and ease discomfort.
Cryotherapy or Heat: Applied thoughtfully to suit your stage of healing.
Dry Needling and Modalities: Targeted treatments to reduce pain and inflammation effectively.

Phase 2: Restoring Strength and Flexibility

Graded Exercise Therapy: Focused, safe movements designed to rebuild the tendon’s resilience (eccentric loading exercises are a favorite for many tendinopathies).
Load Management: Identify how much load the tendon can tolerate without symptoms and gently challenge it to gradually increase its load tolerance.
Muscular Balance Correction: Fixing underlying imbalances is key to preventing recurrence.

Phase 3: Return to Full Function

Progressive Activity: Steadily increasing challenges so your tendon adapts and thrives.
Load Management: Determine the tendon’s capacity for load without triggering symptoms and progressively increase the challenge to build its load tolerance.
Movement Retraining: We’ll teach you improved techniques for work, home, and hobbies to keep pain at bay.

Patient Story: Real Results from Comprehensive Care

"After struggling with stubborn Achilles pain for over a year, I finally found Joseph at Curnyn PT. He took the time to listen, crafted a personalized therapeutic movement plan, and guided me through every step of the process. Three months later, not only can I walk pain-free again, but I’ve also rejoined my walking group!"

– Lisa, 58, happy Fort Worth client

Preventing Reinjury: Practical Tips for Everyday Life

Your progress matters, and we want to help you stay pain-free long after you leave our clinic. Here’s how to reduce the risk of another setback:

Don’t Skip the Warm-Up: Gently prepare tendons for activity with light movement.
Stick to Your Therapeutic Plan: Consistency (not intensity) brings results.
Prioritize Well-Balanced Nutrition: Foods rich in protein, vitamin C, and other key nutrients strengthen connective tissue.
Listen to Your Body: If pain or swelling crops up, slow down and consult your therapist early.
Use Supportive Footwear: Especially for issues affecting the lower body, well-fitted shoes reduce tendon strain.

Why Reinjury Happens and How to Break the Cycle

It’s frustrating to feel good for a while, only for pain to return. Most reinjuries stem from:

Stopping Therapy Too Soon: Tendons heal slowly, and ending care early can set you back.
Ignoring Minor Symptoms: Small aches are warning signs; catching issues early is easier on your body (and wallet).
Returning to Old Habits: Our therapists coach you on lifelong movement strategies tailored to your daily life in.

How Joseph and Curnyn PT Help You Heal

At Curnyn PT, we are committed to delivering personalized care designed to meet your unique needs. Our team, which includes Joseph Carneglia, PT, has a wealth of experience treating tendinopathy in adults over 40. We’re passionate about guiding you on your recovery journey. Our goal isn’t just to relieve symptoms—we strive to help you regain control, restore your quality of life, and move with confidence every step of the way.

Our approach includes:

Comprehensive, in-depth evaluations
Personalized therapeutic movement plans
One-on-one manual therapy
Guidance on activity modification
Encouragement and support every step of the way

Hear more from patients and see what makes us Fort Worth’s trusted choice for physical therapy at Curnyn PT’s Wellness Wisdom or book your first appointment at our contact page.

Moving Forward with Confidence and Comfort

You don’t have to settle for chronic tendon pain or repeat injuries. Understanding the difference between tendinitis and tendinosis, knowing your options, and having a supportive team on your side make all the difference. At Curnyn PT, our mission is to guide you toward long-term relief and restored joy in movement.

Are you ready to take the next step? Reach out to schedule your appointment and see one of our trusted therapists today.

If you have any questions, feel free to explore our FAQs or stop by one of our two conveniently located Curnyn PT clinics in Fort Worth. Y’all deserve care that offers lasting comfort and genuine results.

Tendinopathy Explained with Joseph: Your Guide to Lasting Relief