Tendinopathies vs. tendinitis

Tendinopathies, often called tendinitis, are not just inflammation of tendons. They involve a broader range of issues, including degeneration and changes in tendon structure, which are not always linked to inflammation.

Lifestyle and stress in rehabilitation

Stress and lifestyle factors can influence the rehabilitation process for tendinopathies. However, they are not a substitute for medical treatment or adapted exercises recommended by healthcare professionals.

Physiotherapists explain on Instagram

On October 7, 2026, two physiotherapists posted a video on Instagram discussing the role of stress and lifestyle in treating tendon issues. They emphasized that these factors are important but not the sole solution.

Preference for the term tendinopathy

Health professionals often use the term "tendinopathy" instead of "tendinitis" because not all persistent tendon pain is caused by inflammation. This distinction helps avoid the misconception that simply reducing inflammation will fix the problem.

Holistic approach to treatment

Valentin Copin and Hemrick Verwaerde highlight that rehabilitation should consider the whole person, including their lifestyle and daily activities, not just the affected tendon. This approach aligns with current treatment guidelines for certain tendinopathies.

Managing shoulder tendinopathies

For shoulder tendinopathies, management may include maintaining tolerable activities, education, reassurance, and physiotherapy if symptoms persist. The treatment depends on various factors, such as the load on the tendon and the type of exercises performed.