Natural Cures for Common Illnesses

Tendonitis, an alternative word to tendinitis, is painful and can interfere with daily activities. Those who suffer from it may benefit from some of these natural treatments for tendonitis.

A tendon is a fibrous structure that connects muscles to bone. Tendonitis is characterized by pain, inflammation and swelling in this structure. The most common areas afflicted by tendonitis are the shoulder, wrist, elbow, knee, heel and ankle.

Acupuncture is a practice of medicine that can be used as a natural treatment for tendonitis. Acupuncture eases pain by using fine, hollow-pointed needles on certain points on the body called meridians. This practice is designed to remove blocks and rebalance vital energy called ‘chi’ within the body. A trained acupuncturist will work with you over the course of several appointments to ease your tendonitis pain.

Friction massage is a technique that can be performed at home as a natural treatment for tendonitis pain. This natural therapy requires only your hands, a few minutes of time and some ice. Using gentle but firm pressure, massage the tendon with the pads of your fingers or a thumb perpendicular to the fibres of the tendon. Do this for approximately two minutes. This stimulation will cause some discomfort but should ease as the massage continues. After two minutes, stop. Then, repeat the process using a bit more pressure. Stop after two minutes. Repeat with more pressure. Stop. Finish the massage by icing the area with raw ice or an ice pack for two minutes or until the area numbs. It is important to note that the discomfort should be bearable and ease during the massage. If it does not or it becomes worse, do not use friction massage.

Essential oils are the medicinal substances pressed from plants. Some essential oils can be used to naturally treat tendonitis pain. Eucalyptus oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory and provides pain relief when massaged directly into the site of tendonitis pain. Those with high blood pressure should avoid eucalyptus. Lavender has a soothing, calming effect and can provide natural tendonitis pain relief when massaged into the afflicted tendon. Those with low blood pressure should avoid lavender. Always take care to avoid sensitive areas such as lips and eyes when using essential oils. Start out with a small amount at first to test for possible allergic reaction and remember, a little goes a long way.

Homeopathy operates on the principle, “like treats like” and works with your body on a subtle, energetic level. Homeopathic remedy, arnica montana, can be used as a natural treatment to relieve the pain and inflammation of tendonitis. It can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or used in topical cream form.

Vitamin C is critical to fighting the body’s inflammatory response and can aid in healing tendonitis by boosting the immune system. Minerals calcium and magnesium are essential to proper muscle and connective tissue function as well as maintaining neurological health. White willow bark is a natural pain reliever that can be used in place of aspirin. It is important to note if you are allergic to aspirin or salicylates, you should not use white willow bark. Boswellia is another natural herbal pain reliever that can be used in place of NSAIDs. If you are on a blood thinning medication, talk to your health care provider before using white willow bark or boswellia.

Tendonitis doesn’t have to get you down. Try these natural treatments and you should be feeling better in no time!