12/16/2025
Not all tendon pain is the same — so stop treating them like they are. 🛑
When clients and athletes come in with tendon pain, the first thing I explain is that the type of tendon issue determines the plan. Treating everything like “tendinitis” is how people stay stuck.
In the early, reactive phase (tendonitis), the tendon is irritated and angry — usually after a spike in training load. The goal here is to reduce load without shutting things down, calm symptoms, and then gradually reintroduce the movements that caused pain. When managed well, this phase often improves usually within 2–6 weeks.
When pain has been hanging around for months, we’re often dealing with tendinosis. This isn’t an inflammation problem — it’s a tissue capacity problem. These tendons need progressive loading over time. Strength work becomes the treatment, and some discomfort during rehab is normal and acceptable, as long as it’s controlled and settles within 24 hours. This process takes longer, often 8–16+ weeks, but it’s how tendons actually get stronger.
Bottom line: tendons don’t get better from rest alone. They get better when load is applied at the right time, in the right dose. Knowing when to pull back and when to push is the difference between temporary relief and long-term resilience — and that’s exactly how I approach tendon rehab.
Heres the QUICK Recap:
Early tendon pain (tendonitis):
This usually shows up after doing too much, too fast. We temporarily reduce load, calm symptoms, then slowly bring back the movements that caused pain.
⏱️ Typical recovery: 2–6 weeks
Long-term tendon pain (tendinosis):
This isn’t an inflammation problem — it’s a strength problem. These tendons need progressive loading to get stronger. Some discomfort during rehab is normal and expected when done correctly.
⏱️ Typical recovery: 8–16+ weeks
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Sick of dealing with stubborn tendon pain? DM me the word TENDON or call the facility to set up a discovery call today.
