Tendonitis

Our approach to tendonitis is different. We focus on:

• Precise diagnosis to identify the exact type and cause of your tendonitis
• Advanced laser therapy that accelerates healing at the cellular level
• Specialized active care featuring isometric and eccentric exercises proven to heal tendons
• Extremity-specific adjustments to restore proper joint mechanics
• Transparent pricing with no surprise bills
• No insurance required – our self-pay options make quality care affordable
• Convenient online booking and same-day appointments available

Tendons naturally have a limited blood supply, which is why they often heal slowly and can become chronically inflamed. Our advanced Class IV laser therapy is particularly effective for tendonitis because it:

• Dramatically increases blood flow to damaged tendons, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to these typically poorly-vascularized tissues
• Stimulates cellular energy production (ATP) accelerating the healing process at the tissue level
• Reduces inflammation in the tendon and surrounding tissues without medications or injections
• Decreases pain quickly by blocking pain signals and releasing endorphins
• Penetrates deep into the affected area to reach tendons that other treatments can't effectively target

Using the same LightForce technology trusted by 250+ professional sports teams, our laser therapy provides powerful, non-invasive treatment for both acute and chronic tendonitis conditions. Many patients experience noticeable pain reduction after just 2-3 sessions, with significant improvement in function following a complete treatment series.

Repetitive Motions

Performing the same movement pattern repeatedly—whether during work, hobbies, or sports—is the most common cause of tendonitis conditions. Many Ankeny residents develop tendonitis from activities at local businesses, recreational facilities, or home projects.

Sudden Increases in Activity

Rapidly increasing the duration or intensity of an activity without proper conditioning can overload tendons before they've had time to adapt. This is common during the spring and summer months when outdoor activities resume.

Poor Biomechanics or Technique

Improper form during activities puts excessive stress on tendons. This is particularly common in recreational athletes using the many facilities throughout Ankeny.

Muscle Imbalances

Weakness or tightness in certain muscle groups creates abnormal stress on tendons. Our comprehensive approach addresses these underlying factors to prevent recurrence.

Age-Related Changes

Tendons naturally lose elasticity and become more prone to injury with age. Many active adults in Ankeny experience their first bout of tendonitis in their 40s or 50s.

1. New Patient Exam ✓

We start with a thorough evaluation to identify the exact nature of your tendonitis. This includes a detailed health history, comprehensive physical examination of both the affected area and related structures, movement assessment, and specialized orthopedic testing. We also examine your spine to identify any contributing factors that may be affecting nerve function to the area.

2. Personalized Care Plan ✓

Based on your examination findings, we'll create your customized treatment plan with clear recovery goals and simple pricing options. No year-long commitments—just honest care focused on resolving your pain and restoring function. Your plan will address both immediate pain relief and long-term rehabilitation to prevent recurrence.

3. Evidence-Based Treatment

Your treatment will include proven approaches specifically targeted to heal tendonitis:

• Class IV Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and accelerate tissue healing at the cellular level
• Specialized Isometric and Eccentric Exercises scientifically proven to promote tendon healing and remodeling
• Precise Extremity Adjustments to improve joint mechanics in the affected area
• Spinal Adjustments to address any contributing factors in the spine
• Manual Therapy Techniques to release tight muscles and relieve tension on tendons
• Activity modification guidance to allow healing while maintaining function

4. You're Feeling Good ✓

Our patients often report significant improvements in both pain levels and function within just a few visits. You'll know you're on the right track when you can perform daily activities without pain, return to your favorite recreational activities, or work without limitation.

Research has changed our understanding of tendon healing in recent years. We now know that specific types of exercises—particularly isometric and eccentric movements—are essential for proper tendon recovery. Our specialized approach includes:

Phase 1: Isometric Exercises - The Pain Relievers

Isometric exercises involve holding a static contraction without moving the joint:

• Immediately reduce pain by inhibiting pain pathways in the nervous system
• Allow strengthening without aggravating the tendon
• Begin rebuilding tendon tolerance to load
• Provide a safe starting point even for painful cases

For example, with tennis elbow, we might have you hold your wrist in extension against resistance without moving, gradually increasing duration as tolerated.

Phase 2: Eccentric Exercises - The Tendon Remodelers

Eccentric exercises involve slowly lengthening the muscle-tendon unit under load:

• Stimulate proper alignment of collagen fibers in the healing tendon
• Promote beneficial structural changes in the tendon tissue
• Increase tendon strength and resilience
• Gradually restore normal function

For Achilles tendonitis, this might involve slowly lowering your heel from a raised position, using your body weight as resistance.

Phase 3: Functional Rehabilitation

Once pain is controlled and basic strength restored, we progress to movements that replicate your specific work, sport, or daily activities:

• Gradually reintroduce normal movement patterns
• Restore proper technique to prevent recurrence
• Build confidence in using the affected area
• Ensure safe return to full activity

We provide hands-on instruction for all exercises and give you access to video demonstrations for home reference, ensuring you can perform your rehabilitation program correctly and effectively between office visits.

Advanced Laser Therapy: The Healing Accelerator

Our Class IV laser therapy provides the foundation for healing damaged tendon tissue:

• Delivers specific wavelengths of light energy deep into the affected tendon
• Stimulates cellular energy production to power the healing process
• Reduces inflammatory mediators that perpetuate the pain cycle
• Creates optimal conditions for natural tendon repair and regeneration

Isometric & Eccentric Exercises: The Tendon Transformers

Our specialized exercise approach is based on the latest research in tendon rehabilitation:

• Progressively loads the tendon in ways that stimulate proper healing
• Rebuilds tendon strength and resilience to prevent future problems
• Restores normal muscle-tendon function
• Addresses the underlying cause rather than just treating symptoms

Extremity Adjustments: The Mechanics Optimizer

Precise adjustments to the joints in the affected limb are crucial for proper healing:

• Improve joint mobility and alignment in the affected area
• Reduce stress on the irritated tendon
• Restore proper movement patterns
• Optimize biomechanics to prevent recurrence

Spinal Adjustments: The Nervous System Supporter

Because your spine houses your nervous system, proper spinal function is essential for complete recovery:

• Ensure proper nerve supply to the affected extremity
• Address compensatory patterns that may have developed
• Improve overall body mechanics
• Support whole-body healing and function

Once your tendonitis is resolved, our simple wellness plans make it easy to maintain proper joint function and prevent future issues:

• Flexible monthly visits
• Discounted treatment rates
• No long-term commitments
• Easy online booking

Choose from 1, 2, or weekly visits each month—whatever fits your lifestyle and goals for keeping tendon pain away for good!