Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a painful condition that is often slow to heal. It makes everyday life difficult for pets, and it’s natural for owners to feel overwhelmed with the prolonged recovery. At Holistic Vet Care, our fully qualified vets use a gentle whole-body approach with holistic therapies to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and support healing so your pet can return to moving comfortably.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Book your free introductory consult
Not sure if we can help? Book a free 15min introductory consult with one of our holistic vets!
It’s a chance to get to know us, ask questions, and decide if you want to use our services with zero obligation.
Introductory consults can be in person or via Teams. Terms and Conditions apply.
What is tendonitis?
Tendons are the tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected area. This condition is often caused by overuse, repetitive strain, or trauma and can occur in various parts of the body (e.g. shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist).
Holistic treatment
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular veterinarian, as we do not offer surgical or conventional medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be a valuable part of supporting the health and ongoing wellbeing of pets with tendonitis, alongside their conventional treatment plans.
With acupuncture and carefully selected Chinese herbal medicine, we aim to support pets with tendonitis in the following ways:
- Help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Help alleviate pain.
- Help promote blood circulation to the affected area.
- Support the body’s natural healing processes.
- Help stimulate collagen production for tendon repair.
Through these approaches, our qualified vets aim to support your pet throughout their treatment journey to help improve their comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Even if your pet is scheduled for surgery, we can help support pre-operative stability and comfort and assist with post-operative healing and long-term wellbeing.
Food therapy
Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, food therapy is foundational in addressing underlying “patterns of disharmony” (the way disease presents within the individual). We aim to support the body’s natural balance with tailored whole-food diets, rather than heavily processed pet foods which may contribute to inflammation in some pets.
Every pet is unique, however, and more specific dietary recommendations are tailored to your pet’s individual TCM diagnosis. Specific guidance can be discussed with one of our qualified vets during your consultation.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a gentle, non-invasive, supportive treatment that most pets find very soothing. While not a cure, laser therapy can be a valuable part of a holistic care plan by helping to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
This therapy aims to support tendon healing by helping promote the following: tissue oxygenation, blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, collagen production, cellular reproduction and proliferation.
Additionally, laser therapy aims to improve patient comfort by reducing swelling, local inflammation, and pain.
Shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment option that can support tendon healing. It aims to encourage the body’s natural repair processes by improving blood circulation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues, promoting cell regeneration, and supporting collagen production. It may also help reduce pain and inflammation, improving your pet’s comfort and mobility.
Shockwave therapy is particularly effective in chronic cases where scar tissue has formed, causing stiffness and reducing range of motion. By breaking down this scar tissue, shockwave therapy helps improve mobility, comfort, and overall function.
Claiming insurance
Many pet insurance providers now offer cover for complementary and holistic therapies, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and laser therapy. However, we recommend checking what is included in your plan as cover varies between policies. Please bear in mind that all consultations, treatments, and herbal prescriptions must be paid for at the time. We will then help you claim back from your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
What are common clinical signs of tendonitis?
- Lameness: Especially noticeable after physical activity or exercise.
- Swelling: Around the affected tendon.
- Pain: Tenderness and discomfort when the area is touched or moved.
- Stiffness: Particularly after periods of rest or inactivity.
- Decreased Activity: Reluctance to engage in normal activities due to pain.
How is tendonitis typically treated by conventional vets?
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular vet, as we do not offer surgical or medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
Tendons are slow to heal due to their poor blood supply. Therefore, conventional treatment plans tend to focus on strict rest, weight-loss, anti-inflammatories, and targeted steroid injections (in some cases). Return to exercise must be gradual and controlled.
Must I leave my current vets to seek treatment at Holistic Vet Care?
No – we work alongside your conventional vet. We don’t replace conventional or emergency treatment. Our aim is to support your pet’s whole body and to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.
Many complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments to improve patient welfare and can help improve prognosis. While adverse herbal-drug interactions (HDIs) can occur, they are uncommon when therapies are prescribed appropriately and monitored carefully.
When interactions do occur, the most common scenario is the herb enhancing the effect of the drug – which may allow conventional treatment plans to be adjusted by the prescribing vet.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Can I fully replace conventional treatment with holistic treatment?
No, holistic treatment should not replace conventional diagnosis or medical care.
At Holistic Vet Care, we work alongside your regular veterinarian. Conventional treatment is essential for diagnosing the condition, assessing severity, and managing emergencies or complications. Our role is to support your pet’s comfort, overall health, resilience, healing, and long-term wellbeing.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Do I need a referral from my vets?
Yes – your primary vet signs the “Vet Care Agreement” and sends your pet’s history to us. This ensures your pet receives safe, coordinated care before your first appointment.
How Long Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Take to Show Results?
The rate and degree of improvement depend on your pet and the severity of disease. Some animals show marked improvement in a matter of weeks, whilst others may need months. With TCM, improvement is steady and sustained, so patience is required.
Are There Any Risks with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM is generally safe when prescribed by a qualified person. Certain herbs may have side-effects and may have the ability to interact with conventional medications. Therefore, it is imperative that TCM is only used under professional guidance.
Will acupuncture hurt my pet?
It is unlikely. We find that most patients tolerate acupuncture very well, many end up falling asleep! Some points can be painful on some patients, but we take steps to minimise discomfort in these cases.
Can holistic treatments help older pets?
Absolutely! We see many geriatric patients, and they often demonstrate notable improvements (it may require several treatments before the benefits can be obviously appreciated). Some clients report that their older animals appear brighter, more comfortable, or more engaged again.
How do I know which holistic treatments are suitable for my pet?
Talk to your vet before trialling any new treatments.
Once registered with us, you can also ask our holistic vet.
Can I claim through my insurance?
Most insurance companies will cover/contribute towards our services. However, we always advise checking with your insurance company regarding your individual policy.
Get in touch
Where are we located?
Suite A, Blisworth Marina, Blisworth, Northampton, NN7 3FG.
We are located just outside of Blisworth, between Northampton and Towcester. Our clinic is at the Blisworth Marina, providing a peaceful, relaxing setting, with ample parking.
