Tendinopathy treatment.
Tendinopathy is a loading failure. The tendon was stressed beyond its adaptive capacity, resulting in structural changes, pain, and reduced function. The good news is that tendons respond exceptionally well to properly dosed progressive loading. At Motion Theory, we apply evidence-based loading protocols to produce lasting tendon recovery.
Who It's For
Patients with any tendinopathy presentation including Achilles, patellar, gluteal, rotator cuff, hamstring, or elbow (lateral or medial epicondylalgia). Both acute reactive tendinopathies and chronic degenerative presentations.
What We Assess
We establish the specific tendon involved, the provocative load, the degree of tendon reactivity, and the training or occupational load history. Single-leg strength testing and load capacity assessment guide the starting point of the loading program.
Treatment Approach
Treatment follows a contemporary tendinopathy loading progression: isometric loading to reduce pain inhibition, heavy slow resistance for tendon remodeling, and functional loading to return to specific demands. Passive therapy and rest are minimized as load is the medicine.
Recovery Pathway
Isometric & Early Loading
Sustained isometric contractions at 70 percent effort to reduce pain while beginning tendon stimulation, 4 to 6 weeks.
Heavy Slow Resistance
Progressive resistance training with slow eccentric-concentric tempo. The primary remodeling driver, 8 to 12 weeks.
Functional & Sport Loading
Energy storage demands, plyometric integration, and sport or occupational demand return with objective testing.
Clinic Location & Access
Located at 1367 West Broadway in Vancouver, Motion Theory is situated in the Fairview medical corridor, in close proximity to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). We serve patients from Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and the broader Metro Vancouver area.
Common Questions
Why does my tendinopathy feel worse in the morning?
Tendons stiffen during inactivity and are sensitive to the first loads of the day. This is normal for tendinopathy and resolves with movement. It is not a sign of damage or tissue worsening.
Should I use ice or heat for a tendinopathy?
Neither is particularly effective for tendinopathy. The primary treatment is loading. Ice may temporarily reduce pain post-exercise if symptoms are reactive, but has no effect on tendon structure.
How long does tendinopathy take to resolve?
Reactive acute tendinopathies typically improve significantly within 6 to 8 weeks of appropriate loading. Chronic degenerative tendinopathies take 12 to 16 weeks or more, but the vast majority do respond to a correct loading program.
Related Services
Registered Clinicians
All practitioners are registered with their respective provincial colleges in British Columbia.
Evidence-Based
Treatment protocols are grounded in current peer-reviewed literature and clinical guidelines.
Direct Billing
Available for ICBC claims and most major extended health benefit providers.