Tendinitis, Tendinosis, Sprains & Strains

Tendon and soft-tissue injuries are some of the most common reasons people seek physical therapy. Whether from overuse, a sudden strain, or repetitive stress, these injuries can linger when the underlying load tolerance of the tissue hasn’t been restored.

A person wearing black shorts on a beach, holding their injured right knee with their right hand, with an ocean and blue sky in the background.

Common Symptoms

  • Local pain and swelling

  • Pain with activity

  • Stiffness after rest

  • Weakness with use

  • It “warms up” with activity for tendon issues

Why These Injuries Happen

Tendons, muscles, and ligaments respond to load. When activity increases too quickly, recovery is insufficient, or strength support is lacking, these tissues become irritated and sensitive. Rest alone often reduces symptoms temporarily but does not rebuild the tissue’s capacity to handle stress.

How We Treat It at Sparks PT

Treatment focuses on progressive loading to restore strength and tolerance within the injured tissue. Care is guided by how you move and the demands of your daily activity, whether that’s running, climbing, lifting, or working with your hands. Manual therapy and movement assessment are often used to support this process, and blood flow restriction therapy can be helpful when heavier loading is not yet appropriate.

What Recovery Typically Looks Like

Recovery involves gradually reintroducing load in a structured way so the tissue can adapt and become more resilient. As strength and tolerance improve, symptoms decrease and return to activity becomes more sustainable.

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