If you’re battling tendinopathy, you know the frustration of dealing with tendon pain and limited mobility. But did you know that loading tendons through targeted exercises could be the key to unlocking your path to recovery? Here’s why physiotherapists are increasingly turning to loading approaches for all types of tendinopathies.

1. 1. Stimulating Healing: Contrary to the old-school notion of rest and immobilization, loading tendons with appropriate exercises stimulates the healing process. By gradually increasing the load on the affected tendon, physiotherapists can promote tissue remodeling, improve collagen production, and enhance tendon strength and resilience.
   2. Collagen Production: Tendons are predominantly made up of collagen, the building blocks of connective tissue. When exposed to controlled loading, tendons respond by increasing collagen synthesis, leading to improved tissue quality and healing. This is why a strategic approach to loading tendons is essential for promoting optimal collagen production and facilitating recovery from tendinopathy.
   3. Adaptation and Resilience: Like muscles, tendons adapt to the demands placed upon them. Through progressive loading exercises, physiotherapists can help tendons adapt and become more resilient to stressors, reducing the risk of future injury and recurrence of tendinopathy. This approach not only addresses the symptoms but also tackles the underlying causes of tendon dysfunction.
   4. Functional Restoration: Loading tendons with functional exercises that mimic real-life movements helps restore normal tendon function and improves overall musculoskeletal performance. By incorporating activities that challenge the tendon in a variety of planes and ranges of motion, physiotherapists can optimize functional outcomes and enhance patient outcomes.
   5. Empowering Patients: Adopting a loading-based approach empowers patients to take an active role in their recovery journey. By providing education and guidance on proper loading techniques and exercise progression, physiotherapists empower patients to regain control over their condition and actively participate in their rehabilitation process, leading to better long-term outcomes and reduced dependency on passive treatments.

In conclusion, loading tendons is not only important but essential for effective management of tendinopathies. By understanding the influence of loading on collagen production, tissue remodeling, and functional restoration, physiotherapists can tailor treatment plans to optimize healing and promote long-term tendon health.

So, if you’re dealing with tendinopathy, remember: embrace the load, trust the process, and pave the way for a stronger, healthier future! If you would like to know more on how you should be loading your tendons, please get in touch with the Perfect Balance Team.

Eamon Mangan
Senior Sports Physiotherapist
Perfect Balance