
Summertime Guide to Tendinitis Injuries: Signs, Recovery & How Massage Therapy Can Help
- Nick Hadl
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Summer is a time for sunshine, travel, and outdoor activities—but it’s also the season when tendinitis injuries. The humid weather in North Texas has also contributed to the spike. Whether you're playing tennis, swimming, running, or just becoming more active after a sedentary winter, your tendons can become irritated from overuse or poor movement patterns. At Hadl Clinical Bodywork, we’ve seen firsthand how easily this can happen—and how effective massage therapy can be in helping you recover faster and get back to what you love.
What Is Tendinitis?
Tendinitis (also spelled tendonitis) is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick cords that attach muscle to bone. It often develops from repetitive motion, overuse, or sudden increases in activity.
Tendinitis isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition—it can occur in many parts of the body, especially in the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles, depending on the activity.
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Most Common Summertime Tendinitis Injuries
1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Who gets it: Tennis players, pickleball enthusiasts, and even gardeners.
Signs & symptoms:
Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
Weak grip strength
Discomfort when lifting, twisting, or shaking hands
Recovery time:
⏱️ 6–12 weeks with rest and proper treatment.
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2. Swimmer’s Shoulder (Rotator Cuff Tendinitis)

Who gets it: Swimmers, paddleboarders, kayakers, and weekend warriors.
Signs & symptoms:
Dull ache in the shoulder
Pain with overhead motion
Difficulty reaching behind your back
Recovery time:
⏱️ 6–8 weeks, longer if untreated.
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3. Runner’s Knee (Patellar Tendinitis)

Who gets it: Runners, hikers, and anyone increasing their step count or hill training.
Signs & symptoms:
Pain just below the kneecap
Stiffness after activity or prolonged sitting
Pain when going up or down stairs
Recovery time:
⏱️ 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on severity.
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4. Achilles Tendinitis

Who gets it: Runners, sand volleyball players, and people who suddenly ramp up cardio.
Signs & symptoms:
Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon
Swelling or thickening near the heel
Pain after activity or first thing in the morning
Recovery time:
⏱️ 6 weeks to 6 months, with longer timelines for chronic cases.
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What Causes Tendinitis in Summer?
Increased physical activity is a big factor. Many people dive into summer workouts or sports without a gradual build-up, proper warm-up, or attention to biomechanics. Common culprits include:
Jumping into high-intensity workouts without a base
Repetitive overhead or jumping motions
Poor footwear or playing surface
Muscle imbalances or lack of flexibility
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How Massage Therapy Helps Tendinitis
At Hadl Clinical Bodywork, our therapists specialize in treating tendon-related injuries through evidence-informed massage techniques. Here’s how clinical massage can help:
✅ 1. Reduces Inflammation
Massage increases circulation, which helps clear out inflammatory byproducts and bring in fresh blood flow for healing. While acute inflammation needs rest, gentle manual therapy can safely support recovery in subacute and chronic stages.
✅ 2. Breaks Down Scar Tissue & Adhesions

Chronic tendinitis can lead to adhesions in the muscle-tendon unit. Techniques like myofascial release, cross-fiber friction, and trigger point therapy can help restore elasticity and mobility to the affected area.
✅ 3. Improves Flexibility & Range of Motion
Tendinitis often results in restricted movement and tight surrounding muscles. We use active and passive stretching during massage sessions to relieve tension and improve overall function.
✅ 4. Reduces Compensatory Stress
When one area is painful, the body compensates. This often creates tension and dysfunction in other regions. Our whole-body approach ensures that we’re not just treating the symptom—but also the source.
✅ 5. Enhances Mind-Body Awareness
Many clients don’t realize how poor posture, repetitive habits, or faulty movement patterns contribute to their pain. Our therapists help educate clients on ergonomics, mobility routines, and self-care tools to prevent re-injury.
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Recovery Tips for Tendinitis
Massage is powerful—but it works best as part of a comprehensive recovery plan. Here’s what else helps:
Rest the affected area, especially from the activity that caused the problem
Ice for acute flare-ups (15–20 minutes, several times a day)
Stretch and strengthen under the guidance of a professional
Modify your activity, not eliminate it—cross-training can help
Use supportive gear like braces or orthotics if recommended
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When to Seek Professional Help
Don’t wait until the pain is unbearable. If you’re feeling any of the following, it’s time to book a session:
Persistent pain for more than a week
Pain that worsens with activity
Swelling or visible thickening over a tendon
Limited range of motion or weakness
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Feel Better, Move Better—Book Your Recovery Today
At Hadl Clinical Bodywork, we’ve helped thousands of clients get out of pain and back into action—without relying on medications or unnecessary procedures. Our highly trained therapists don’t just give you a relaxing massage—we deliver targeted, clinical care that supports long-term healing.
Whether you're battling elbow pain from tennis, a sore shoulder from swimming, or a stubborn Achilles tendon from running, we’re here to help.
📍 Conveniently located in [Your City]
🕑 Appointments available 7 days a week
👣 Hands-on experience with athletes, weekend warriors, and active families
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👉 Ready to heal smarter this summer?
Book your clinical massage today at Hadlcenter.com.
Let’s get you back to what you love—stronger than ever.
Hadl Clinical Bodywork
3600 Hulen Street suite B1
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
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