How Physiotherapy Can Help Tendinopathy in Bath

Tendinopathy is a common and often frustrating condition that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It can significantly impact daily life, from walking to working or exercising.

Common tendons affected include:

  • Achilles tendon (ankle)

  • Rotator cuff (shoulder)

  • Gluteal tendon (hip)

  • Patella tendon (knee)

The good news? Physiotherapy in Bath plays a key role in managing symptoms and addressing the underlying causes, helping patients regain function, strength, and confidence.

What Is Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy refers to pain and reduced function in a tendon, usually caused by a mismatch between the load placed on the tendon and its capacity to handle it.

Historically called “tendinitis,” we now know persistent tendon pain often involves structural changes, increased sensitivity, and reduced tolerance rather than ongoing inflammation.

Women may notice tendon issues increase during peri-menopause and menopause due to changes in hormones and collagen content, making physiotherapy especially important during this stage of life.

Why Tendons Become Painful

Tendons transmit force from muscle to bone and need appropriate loading to stay healthy. Problems develop when:

  • Load increases too quickly (e.g., sudden change in training or work activity)

  • Recovery is insufficient

  • Strength or movement patterns are suboptimal

  • Pain leads to fear and avoidance of movement

Over time, the tendon becomes more sensitive and less tolerant of everyday demands.

How Physiotherapy in Bath Helps

Physiotherapy focuses on restoring tendon capacity, improving movement, and rebuilding confidence in using the affected area.

1. Education and Understanding

Understanding your tendon pain is crucial. Knowing that discomfort does not necessarily mean damage reduces fear and improves recovery.

2. Individualised Loading Programmes

Exercise is the cornerstone of tendinopathy rehab. A physiotherapist will prescribe progressive, tendon-specific exercises tailored to:

  • The affected tendon

  • Your pain levels

  • Your lifestyle, work, or sporting demands

These exercises strengthen the tendon, improve tolerance, and are safe even if mild discomfort occurs during sessions.

3. Improving Strength and Movement

Physiotherapy doesn’t just treat the tendon itself. Treatment may also include:

  • Strengthening surrounding muscles

  • Restoring joint mobility

  • Correcting movement patterns that overload the tendon

This holistic approach prevents repeated strain.

4. Pain Management Strategies

Your physiotherapist may use:

  • Isometric exercises for temporary pain relief

  • Advice on activity modification (without total rest)

  • Manual therapy when appropriate

These strategies help manage symptoms while building long-term strength.

5. Gradual Return to Activity

Structured, graded return-to-activity plans reduce fear and prevent re-injury, whether returning to work, exercise, or sport.

Why Early Physiotherapy Matters

Ignoring tendon pain or relying on repeated rest cycles can make tendinopathy persistent. Early intervention in Bath can:

  • Prevent long-term tendon problems

  • Reduce time away from work, sport, or daily activity

  • Avoid unnecessary scans, injections, or prolonged discomfort

The Take-Home Message

Tendinopathy is not a sign your body is “broken.” With the right guidance, tendons can adapt, strengthen, and function normally again.

Physiotherapy in Bath provides education, structured exercise, and support to restore function and get you back to your daily activities confidently.

Experiencing Tendon Pain? Book Physiotherapy in Bath Today

If tendon pain is stopping you from moving comfortably or enjoying your favourite activities, our expert physiotherapists at Circus Health in central Bath can help.

Visit our clinic in central Bath
Call 01225 231010
Email: info@circushealth.co.uk

Book Physiotherapy