Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
-
Chat With Us
+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Tenosynovitis
What is tenosynovitis?
Tendons are strong, cord-like structures that connect muscles to bones. Some tendons are surrounded by a protective layer called a synovial sheath, which allows them to move smoothly without friction. When the synovial sheath becomes inflamed, the condition is known as tenosynovitis. If the tendon itself becomes inflamed, it is called tendonitis. These two conditions often occur together and are common in people with rheumatoid conditions, as inflammation within the joint can place extra stress on tendons and their sheaths. In addition, both tenosynovitis and tendonitis can develop following a sports injury or as a result of repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Physiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for tenosynovitis, helping to reduce symptoms and restore normal function. The experienced physiotherapists at acephysiosports.com will carry out a comprehensive assessment and design a personalised treatment programme to maximise your recovery. In addition to treatment, your physiotherapist can also provide strategies and advice to help reduce the risk of tenosynovitis returning in the future.
- Hands
- Wrists
- Feet
- Ankles
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Fingers (commonly the thumb)
What are the symptoms of tenosynovitis?
Tenosynovitis can present with a range of symptoms that vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. Common signs include pain and swelling around the affected tendon, along with tenderness when the area is touched. Many people also experience stiffness and a reduced range of movement, making normal activities more difficult. In some cases, a grating or creaking sensation can be felt when moving the tendon, and the skin over the area may appear red and warm. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and increase the risk of tendon damage, which makes early physiotherapy intervention essential.
- Pain around the affected tendon
- Swelling in the surrounding area
- Tenderness when touching the tendon
- Stiffness or reduced range of movement
- A grating or creaking sensation when moving the tendon
- Redness and warmth over the affected area
- Difficulty performing normal daily activities due to pain or stiffness
How is tenosynovitis diagnosed?
There are several methods used to diagnose tenosynovitis, and doctors will often combine different tests to confirm the condition. Early diagnosis is important so that physiotherapy with acephysiosports.com can begin as soon as possible to maximise recovery and prevent long-term issues. Potential diagnostic methods for tenosynovitis include:
- Physical examination – checking for pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness around the affected tendon.
- Medical history review – discussing recent injuries, repetitive strain, or underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Imaging tests – such as ultrasound or MRI to identify inflammation or damage to the tendon and its sheath.
- Blood tests – to rule out underlying infections or systemic conditions contributing to the inflammation.
- Movement assessment – evaluating stiffness, reduced range of motion, and whether tendon movement causes pain or creaking.
How will physiotherapy help with tenosynovitis?
Physiotherapy will help minimise the symptoms of tenosynovitis and restore movement in the affected area. acephysiosports.com will provide you with a full assessment, allowing your physiotherapist to create a tailored programme designed to meet your specific needs. The goal is to ensure you can return to your normal activities of daily living as soon as possible. Physiotherapy can help in the following ways:
- Reducing pain and inflammation in the affected tendon.
- Restoring normal movement and flexibility.
- Improving tendon strength and stability.
- Preventing recurrence through education and activity modification.
- Promoting faster and safer recovery to daily activities and sports.
What physiotherapy will be used for tenosynovitis?
Your physiotherapy programme will be based on your symptoms and the goals you want to achieve. At acephysiosports.com, your physiotherapist will encourage you to take an active role in your rehabilitation and work with you to decide the most suitable treatments. Potential physiotherapy may include:
- Manual therapy to improve joint and tendon mobility
- Stretching exercises to restore flexibility
- Strengthening exercises to support the affected area
- Ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation
- Ice or heat application for pain relief
- Education on activity modification and injury prevention
- A personalised home exercise programme to maintain progress
Summary
Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the synovial sheath surrounding tendons. It often occurs simultaneously with tendonitis, which is inflammation of certain tendons, and commonly affects the shoulder, ankle, thumb and elbow regions. Physiotherapy is an effective way to treat tenosynovitis, and a combination of treatments is often used to optimise recovery. acephysiosports.com has specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapists who are experienced in assessing and diagnosing tenosynovitis. A personalised rehabilitation programme designed by acephysiosports.com can facilitate your recovery and help prevent long-term complications. Please call us on +65 81535374 to book an appointment today, or alternatively, book an appointment online!
Get treated today!
We have immediate appointments available today. Contact us to make an appointment.
Find out more »
We are open...
Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
Find your nearest clinic
Acephysio Sports have clinics located throughout the Singapore.
Find out more »
