Overuse injuries, such as tendinopathy and bursitis, are common in people with active lifestyles, repetitive movement jobs, or sports that place continuous stress on specific body parts. These injuries develop gradually, often due to repetitive strain on muscles, tendons, and joints, and can cause chronic pain and limited mobility if not addressed.

What is Tendinopathy and Bursitis?

Tendinopathy is a condition that affects the tendons, often leading to pain, stiffness, and limited movement. It typically develops due to repetitive strain, poor technique, or overuse in certain activities, such as running, lifting, or sport. 

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. Bursitis is commonly caused by repetitive motions, like overhead reaching or prolonged kneeling, and can result in swelling and soreness in affected areas like the shoulder, hip, or knee.

Image: https://www.healthline.com/health/tendinitis

Image: https://www.healthline.com/health/bursitis

How Osteopathy Can Help?

A holistic approach that goes beyond treating symptoms to address the root causes of overuse injuries will be necessary to help these conditions. We would assess how the entire body moves and functions, identifying any areas of restricted motion, or muscle imbalance that may be contributing to repetitive strain. Osteopathic manual techniques help to reduce tension, improve circulation, and restore flexibility, supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Through hands-on care, osteopaths also work to improve posture and functional movement patterns. This not only eases current symptoms but also helps prevent future injury. At Pakenham Osteopathy, we often recommend individualised exercises to strengthen weakened muscles and encourage balanced movement, enhancing overall resilience against re-injury.

At our clinic we have access to Shockwave Therapy and Laser Therapy. These therapies are effective, non-invasive options for overuse injuries. These therapies can help speed up tissue repair and reduce pain, providing extra support for healing in conditions like tendinopathy and bursitis.

For those dealing with overuse injuries, osteopathy provides a comprehensive approach to both recovery and prevention. By addressing the underlying causes of strain and encouraging movement, osteopathy helps relieve pain, restore function, and get people back to their daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.