Tendon injuries can be frustrating, persistent, and often more limiting than people expect. Whether it’s a sore Achilles that flares up after a run, a stiff shoulder that makes lifting difficult, or a painful wrist from repetitive strain, tendon problems rarely go away on their own.
But here’s the good news: physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat tendon injuries properly. A structured rehab plan doesn’t just get rid of pain—it restores strength, function, and resilience, making sure the same injury doesn’t keep coming back.
Let’s look at some of the most common tendon injuries, how physiotherapy helps heal them, and why proper rehab makes all the difference.
Achilles Tendinopathy: Why Heel Pain Needs More Than Just Rest
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, responsible for absorbing force with every step you take. Repeated stress—common in runners, athletes, and even those who suddenly increase their activity levels—can cause tiny tears in the tendon, leading to stiffness and pain.
How Physiotherapy Helps
- Progressive loading exercises – Specific strengthening movements, like eccentric heel drops, help the tendon rebuild strength and function.
- Manual therapy – Soft tissue techniques can reduce tension in surrounding muscles, preventing excessive strain on the Achilles.
- Gait and movement analysis – If there’s an issue with your walking or running pattern, a physio can correct it to prevent re-injury.
- Shockwave therapy – In stubborn cases, this can stimulate healing and improve circulation in the tendon.
Many people try to rest Achilles tendinopathy away, but this usually leads to weakness and a higher risk of recurrence. Physiotherapy ensures the tendon heals correctly and stays strong enough for future activity.
Tennis Elbow: Why Your Wrist and Forearm Need Strength, Not Just Stretching
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is caused by overuse of the forearm tendons, usually from repetitive gripping or lifting. Despite the name, you don’t need to play tennis to get it—office workers, tradies, and gym-goers are all at risk.
Think you might have it? Click here for some more information on symptoms and treatment.
How Physiotherapy Helps
- Strength training – Rather than just resting, a physio will guide you through graded resistance exercises to build tendon resilience.
- Soft tissue release – Massage and trigger point therapy help relieve excessive muscle tension, reducing strain on the tendons.
- Wrist and grip retraining – Strengthening the surrounding muscles ensures that the tendon isn’t overloaded again.
- Bracing or taping – In some cases, a brace can help offload stress from the tendon while it heals.
Tennis elbow won’t resolve itself if the tendon remains weak and irritated. Physiotherapy focuses on controlled rehabilitation so the tendon recovers properly.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: How to Fix Persistent Shoulder Pain
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons in the shoulder that stabilise the joint. Repetitive overhead movements like playing golf, poor posture, or previous shoulder injuries can lead to tendon irritation and weakness, making it painful to lift, throw, or even sleep on your side.
How Physiotherapy Helps
- Targeted strengthening – A progressive shoulder rehab programme restores tendon health and function.
- Manual therapy & joint mobilisation – Helps improve shoulder mechanics and reduce stiffness.
- Postural correction – Poor posture contributes to ongoing tendon stress, so physios focus on improving alignment and muscle balance.
- Functional movement retraining – Exercises are designed to restore full range of motion and stability for daily activities and sports.
Rotator cuff injuries often linger for months or even years without proper rehab. Physiotherapy provides structured recovery, reducing pain and restoring full function.
Patellar Tendinopathy: How to Beat Jumper’s Knee
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shin, playing a major role in jumping, squatting, and running. Overuse—especially in athletes—can cause micro-tears and pain, commonly referred to as jumper’s knee.
How Physiotherapy Helps
- Quadriceps strengthening – Strengthening the front of the thigh reduces strain on the patellar tendon.
- Plyometric rehab – Gradually reintroducing explosive movements ensures the knee can handle stress again.
- Taping or bracing – Can provide short-term pain relief and support while strengthening is in progress.
- Biomechanical assessments – Identifying and correcting any movement issues that contributed to the injury in the first place.
Ignoring jumper’s knee often leads to chronic pain and reduced performance. Physiotherapy ensures the tendon gets stronger, not just less painful.
Why Physiotherapy Is Essential for Tendon Recovery
Tendons don’t heal the same way muscles do, which is why rest alone is rarely the answer. Instead, they need gradual, controlled loading to rebuild strength and function. A physiotherapist helps by:
- Providing a structured rehab programme – Exercises are tailored to your injury stage, ensuring you recover without overloading the tendon.
- Guiding strength progression – Loading a tendon too soon or too aggressively can delay healing, but doing too little leads to weakness and re-injury. A physio finds the balance.
- Correcting movement patterns – If bad posture or biomechanics contributed to the injury, they’ll address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
- Using manual therapy and treatment techniques – This includes massage, dry needling, shockwave therapy, and joint mobilisation to speed up recovery.
Physio Connect: Helping You Move Pain-Free Again
If a tendon injury is holding you back, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Proper physiotherapy can speed up recovery, prevent flare-ups, and strengthen the tendon so it stays healthy for the long run.
Book an appointment with Physio Connect today. Let’s get you moving pain-free again.
