Tendinitis

Summary

Tendons Tendons are the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone in the human anatomy. Tendinitis is the condition when these cords become inflamed and painful. The soft tissue of the muscle typically tapers at the end and transitions into the tendon that is a much stronger, thick, and fibrous material. Since the tendon is not as elastic as the muscle when there is a distorting injury it is the element that is most prone to tear and hence become inflamed. This can also happen when there is repeated stress to the tendon that causes microscopic tears that can become inflamed and painful over a period of time. These types of injuries are more prone to those 40 – 60 years old since their tendons are not as flexible as they were at a younger age.

Tendinitis can occur with any of the hundreds of tendons in the body but is most apt to occur in the tendons that we use the most, especially if we put repeated strain on them. Common areas of strain are elbows (tennis elbow), shoulders (swimmer’s shoulder), hips, wrists, knee (jumper’s knee), ankle, or heel.

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Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends: Basil, Birch, Cypress, Deep Blue^C, Helichrysum^EC, Lavender^C, Lemon^C, Lemongrass^C, Oregano^C, Peppermint^C, Wintergreen^C

Essential oils based products:

Also consider: Eucalyptus^C, Marjoram^C, Rosemary^C

Suggested protocols:

Apply oils topically to the area 2 or 3 times per day until pain is reduced. 2 -3 drops of Birch or Deep Blue for inflammation and pain followed with Lemongrass for helping mend damaged tissue. Layering with Peppermint after a few minutes will help "drive" the oils deeper into the tissue. Or use a warm compress. Cypress will increase circulation and speed healing.

Experiences and Testimonials of others

Kathy - My friend has tennis elbow and also gets almost migraine headaches from the pain.Her doctor wants to give her cortisone for her elbow which she doesn’t want to do that. I heard that Birch is like a natural cortisone but it is not available. I also heard to consider Wintergreen. Does anyone know the best way to use it and how often can it be used safely? I did rub some Birch on her elbow and she said it felt really good so I am hoping Wintergreen will also be good.

Sharon - Tennis Elbow is basically just tendonitis. My husband has the same thing the and he uses Marjoram and it is working very well.

John - Hi Kathy some years ago I had a build up of calcium on my deltoid muscle and the doctor wanted to give me cortisone. Instead I used Wintergreen layered over with Peppermint twice day. On alternate days I used Pan Away (similar to Deep Blue) and again layered after with Peppermint. Within a few days I was using the arm again.

Jess (2011) - I had the fortunate opportunity to talk with Dr. Hill recently. I've been suffering from Tennis Elbow for months. Deep Blue didn't really help much. I asked Dr. Hill what I could use instead and he suggested I try Oregano (remember to dilute it) and Lemon together and applied externally. Seriously? Better than any pain pill and so much more effective. It's been almost a month and my arm hasn't bothered me for about 4 days.

Natalie – Any ideas how to treat calcific tendonitis? (Calcific tendonitis is a condition that causes the formation of a small, usually about 1-2 centimeter size, calcium deposit within the tendons of the rotator cuff.)

Pat - If you would like to take care of it quickly, I would suggest Lemongrass and Melaleuca on the affected area. After applying the oils then put a warm moist cloth over the area.

Bonnie - I have 2 questions. 1) What are the specific oils for tendonitis? I wonder about Aroma Touch/Marjoram? 2) Are there any oils that would improve very dry, (sometimes bleeding) cracked heels?

John - The obvious one for tendinitis would be Deep Blue, however I would try Birch if it is available for anything that needs an anti-inflammitory! Also Marjoram, Peppermint and Basil.

Pat - Lemongrass does a great job of healing tendons, you might want to try that. You could be missing something in your diet that is causing the cracked heals. Try the LifeLong Vitality pack.

Dry cracked heals?

Loryjean - I'm using Melaleuca and a good moisture cream, with socks, for my heels.

Rob - I had a friend that found out by accident that Peppermint healed dry, cracked heals. Apply neat in the mornings, apply with VCO or coconut oil at night and sleep with socks on. Be consistent for and patient, it might take a while.

Jan - A great heel healing balm for cracking heels. 1tblspn EVCO (extra virgin coconut oil) 10 drops Geranium 10 drops Peppermint 10 drops Melaleuca.

Rub on heels every morning and night.

Jan - Dry, cracked heels are often caused by some sort of fungus. Whether that is the cause in your case or not, Jan's suggestion of VCO, Geranium, Peppermint, and Melaleuca would be great!

Sue - Does anyone know what to do for tendonitis? My daughter is hurting pretty badly. She has a band on it and I think she is taking medicine for the inflammation, but she said it is getting worse and is very painful. It is starting to keep her awake at night.

Lil - Birch oil will do wonders. Also Lemongrass, Wintergreen, and Deep Blue.

Jan - Yes, yes, yes! Lil's advice sounds right on to me!!! "itis" means inflammation. Birch is fantastic for inflammation. I have used on my chronically mis-aligned and inflamed lower back with more success than anything else I've ever found! In the case of tendonitis, I'd use all the oils Lil mentioned plus Cypress to help with circulation.

Jan – Also if someone is asking for something to replace aspirin, while dealing with the joint pain. My experience is after 10 days to 2 weeks of being on the Life Long Vitality supplements, I no longer woke up every morning with achy joints and my circulation had increased to a much better level. Therefore I would suggest the LifeLong Vitality supplements (Tremendous support for the circulatory system as well as the whole rest of the system), Birch applied topically (super anti-inflammatory), and MJ Assist as needed?

Dian - My husband takes the MJ Assist to replace any other pain relievers for his joints.