Restoring the Tendons

By Edsel Tan, L.Ac.

Tendons are cords of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones in the proximity of joints. When your muscles contract, the tendons transmit the force of the contraction. In the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the tendons empower one to utilize one’s will to direct the exertion of muscular strength. They are crucial to human movement and biomechanical stabilization.

Repetitive activity, overuse of specific joints, and physical trauma could lead to tears within a tendon and consequently inflammation, pain, weakness, and swelling. This is called tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis). Tenosynovitis, inflammation of the sheath that surrounds tendons, often accompanies tendonitis, aggravating the duration and severity of the discomfort. A tendon tear that is more severe is referred to as a tendon rupture and may require surgery for optimum rehabilitation.

Since tendons receive less blood circulation than muscles, tendonitis usually takes a longer period of time to heal than muscle strain. If blood circulation is improved, however, the transfer of nutrients and oxygen to the injured tendon is optimized and the healing time is shortened. The integrative use of TCM modalities has been effective in improving circulation of blood to injured tendons. TCM enhances the release of the body’s own biochemical molecules that reduce inflammation, dilate blood vessels, and block pain receptors.

The key components of TCM in the treatment of tendonitis are as follows:

ACUPUNCTURE sends signals through the peripheral and central nervous systems to initiate a healing response. Thus, it reduces inflammation and improves circulation of oxygen and nutrient-filled blood into the injured tissue.

MASSAGE – manual therapy (that may include herb infused oil) to break up tension resulting from prolonged tightening of the surrounding area. This “guarding” is a defense mechanism to protect the injured area. If it occurs well beyond the acute phase, healing time is slowed down due to tightened muscles constricting blood flow.

HERBAL THERAPY – taken internally (as a liquid decoction, pill, or capsule) and externally (as an herbal patch or liniment) to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET – the consumption of nutritious foods with natural anti-inflammatory properties to improve circulation of blood.

CHI GONG (Energy Exercise) – restorative movements using breath and intention to improve range of motion and functionality by improving circulation of blood into the injured area. Muscular activity moves toxin containing interstitial fluids and stagnant blood into lymphatic capillaries and veins to be carried to the liver for detoxification.