Condition guide
Tendonitis Physiotherapy
Treatment for tendon pain presentations across upper and lower limb regions using graded loading rehabilitation.
Tendon pain can follow an injury or develop around repeated activity; persistent problems are often called tendinopathy. The right plan depends on the tendon and your current tolerance. Short-term activity reduction may help a flare, but ongoing rehabilitation usually involves gradually rebuilding strength rather than relying on indefinite rest. A suspected rupture needs urgent medical advice.
This guide is general information and does not replace a clinical assessment.
Common Symptoms
Pain localised to tendon region during or after activity
Morning stiffness in affected area
Reduced tolerance to repetitive loading
Pain flare after sudden increase in activity volume
Seek Prompt Medical Advice If You Have
Acute traumatic injury with severe pain or rupture concern
Sudden loss of function in tendon unit
Marked swelling, redness, or systemic illness signs
Persistent severe symptoms not settling with load reduction
If you are unsure, call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical care.
Assessment
Identify which tendon is painful and what movements reproduce the symptoms
Review recent changes in work, exercise, recovery time and repeated loading
Assess movement and tendon-related strength without forcing through severe pain
Check for sudden loss of function or a snapping injury needing medical assessment
Treatment
Reduce the most aggravating tasks temporarily while maintaining suitable activity
Select strengthening exercises matched to the affected tendon and current symptoms
Adjust exercise resistance and activity using your response during and afterwards
Build towards relevant work or sport demands rather than pain relief alone
Aftercare & self-management
At your appointment, agree which exercises to do, how often to practise them and when to review your progress.
Avoid repeatedly testing the tendon with the activity that worsens it
Follow the agreed loading plan instead of stopping all movement indefinitely
Note next-day stiffness or pain to help guide exercise adjustments
Request review if symptoms worsen, function declines or progress stalls
Plan your visitClinic, prices, insurance and home visits
- Your clinic & directions
- Newham clinic, Plaistow
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, London E13 8SD
- Self-pay
£60 for a 30-minute physiotherapy appointment.
Prices & self-pay- Health insurance
Cover depends on your plan and chosen physiotherapist.
Insurance & cash-plan guidance
Would a home visit suit you better?
If getting to the clinic is difficult, explore physiotherapy at your visit address. Suitability depends on your condition, care needs, travel and the available clinician; the clinic price and insurance arrangements above do not automatically apply to home treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rest enough for tendon pain?+
A recent tendon injury may need a short period of protection from painful activity. Persistent tendon problems may benefit from gradually rebuilding strength after assessment. A sudden snap, severe pain or loss of function needs urgent medical advice before exercise.
How is load progression decided?+
We use symptom behaviour, function, and next-day response to guide progression.
Can tendon pain recur?+
It can recur if load rises too quickly. Rehabilitation includes strategies to reduce recurrence risk.
Related care and guides
Further reading
For public health information, self-care guidance and advice on when to seek medical help:
About your care at Nexus: meet our physiotherapists and read our clinical governance information.