Not all tendons and tendon pain should be treated the same. For example, we tend to consider Achilles tendon pain as wither insertional or mid-substance. When it is insertional we need to consider compression of the tendon against bone that occurs for example when you go into a lunge or the heel drops off the step. Other examples of compressive tendinopathy are the proximal hamstring compressing against the sit bone (ischium), or the gluteal tendons compressing against the outside of the hip bone (greater trochanter). In the case of compressive tendinopathy, we might want to avoid stretching to reduce compression for a period. This may be purposeful stretching like people are often (and maybe not helpfully) advised with tendon pain, or it may be more functional occurring with a habitual task (for example, sitting, hanging on the hip when talking to someone, or stair climbing). I am not saying that we need to place major limitations on every compressive tendinopathy, but we may need to limit for a period before reintroducing compression. Check out the video below as I discuss it more! If you want more info on the general topic of tendinopathy, click here.

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