Tendonitis In Dogs
Targeted In-Home Rehabilitation to Treat Tendinitis, Support Tendon Healing, and Restore Functional Mobility
Understanding Tendonitis in Dogs
Tendon injuries in dogs—such as tendinitis or tendinosis—occur when a tendon becomes inflamed, strained, or degenerative due to overuse, biomechanical imbalance, repetitive loading, or age-related changes. These conditions commonly affect the biceps brachii, supraspinatus, and Achilles tendon, and may develop gradually or in response to an acute event.
Clinical signs often include intermittent lameness, localised discomfort, stiffness after rest, and reduced willingness to perform certain movements, such as jumping, running, or climbing stairs. In chronic cases, dogs may develop compensatory gait patterns or secondary soft tissue dysfunction.
Accurate diagnosis and early intervention are essential to prevent progression and preserve function. Left untreated, tendon pathology can lead to persistent pain, reduced range of motion, and long-term mechanical stress on adjacent joints and muscles.
Rehabiliation for Tendonitis in Dogs
Effective rehabilitation for tendonitis focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring tendon loading capacity, and addressing contributing biomechanical dysfunction. At Paws4Paws, we provide tailored, in-home therapy based on the specific tendon affected, the chronicity of the condition, and your dog’s current mobility and functional goals.
Interventions may include:
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Soft tissue mobilisation to reduce surrounding muscle tension and offload the affected tendon
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Remedial massage and myofascial techniques to enhance circulation, reduce discomfort, and manage compensatory strain
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Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) to reduce inflammation, promote tendon healing, and modulate pain
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Therapeutic exercise to progressively load the tendon, rebuild strength, and restore safe, functional movement
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Proprioceptive and neuromuscular training to improve joint stability and movement control
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Home exercise program designed to reinforce in-session therapy, maintain mobility, and support long-term tendon health
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Owner education on load management, environmental modifications, and activity guidelines to prevent reinjury
Each plan is reassessed regularly and adjusted to support progressive recovery and safe return to activity.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Tendonitis in dogs, if left untreated or poorly managed, can progress to more complex tendon pathology. Chronic inflammation disrupts normal tendon healing, often leading to fibrosis—the accumulation of disorganised connective tissue that reduces flexibility, elasticity, and load tolerance. Fibrotic changes limit tendon function and can increase the risk of future strain or rupture.
In longstanding cases, particularly in high-tension tendons, chronic overload and degeneration may also result in mineralisation, where calcium deposits accumulate within the tendon tissue. This further compromises tendon mobility, increases discomfort, and can significantly impair functional recovery.
Introducing rehabilitation early in the recovery process can:
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Modulate inflammation and promote healthy tendon remodelling
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Reduce the risk of fibrosis and chronic mineralisation
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Preserve tendon elasticity, extensibility, and mechanical integrity
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Prevent disuse-related muscle atrophy and joint stiffness
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Restore normal loading mechanics and coordinated limb use
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Minimise compensatory strain on surrounding joints and soft tissues
By proactively addressing both the primary tendon pathology and the broader biomechanical context, rehabilitation enhances long-term outcomes and helps prevent chronic dysfunction.