What Is a Tendon Tear?

A tendon tear, also known as a tendon rupture, occurs when the tendon, which is the tissue that connects muscle to bone, is partially or completely torn.

Causes:

1. Overuse or Overload: Activities that involve repetitive motions or excessive stress on the tendon, such as running or jumping, can lead to tendon tears.

2. Trauma: A sudden, forceful impact or injury can cause the tendon to tear. This can happen in accidents or during sports.

3. Age-related Changes: Tendons weaken and become less flexible with age, making them more prone to tears.

4. Poor Conditioning: Weak muscles or improper biomechanics can contribute to tendon tears.

Grades of Tendon Tears:

Tendon tears are typically graded based on severity:

1. Grade 1: Mild tear with minimal disruption of tendon fibres.

2. Grade 2: Moderate tear with partial disruption of tendon fibres.

3. Grade 3: Severe tear with complete rupture of the tendon.

Stages of Healing and Durations:

1. Inflammatory Phase (Days 0-7): Immediately after injury, there's inflammation as the body sends healing cells to the injured area. This phase typically lasts about a week.

2. Repair Phase (Weeks 1-6): New tissue, mainly collagen, is formed to repair the tear. This phase can last around six weeks.

3. Remodelling Phase (Weeks 6-12+): Collagen fibres align along the lines of stress, gradually restoring strength to the tendon. This phase can continue for several months.

Physiotherapy Treatment:

1. Pain Management: Initially, physiotherapy focuses on reducing pain and inflammation through modalities like ice, heat, or ultrasound therapy.

2. Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle movements to maintain or improve joint flexibility while protecting the healing tendon.

3. Strengthening Exercises: Progressive resistance exercises to gradually rebuild strength in the affected muscle-tendon unit.

4. Functional Training: Activities and exercises tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals, such as sport-specific drills or activities of daily living.

5. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques like massage or joint mobilisation to improve tissue flexibility and joint mechanics.

6. Modalities: Depending on the stage of healing, modalities like electrical stimulation or laser therapy may be used to aid in tissue repair and pain relief.

Physiotherapy aims to optimise healing, restore function, and prevent re-injury through a personalised treatment plan tailored to the individual's condition and goals. Always consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.