From the Guidelines
Aerobic exercise is beneficial for healing injured tendons when introduced at the appropriate time in the recovery process, as it increases blood flow and promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. Initially after a tendon injury, rest and protection are necessary, but once the acute phase has passed (typically 2-3 days), gentle aerobic activities that don't stress the injured tendon can help promote healing. Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical machine increase blood flow throughout the body, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the injured area while removing waste products. This improved circulation can accelerate the healing process. As healing progresses (usually after 1-2 weeks), gradually increasing the intensity and duration of aerobic exercise is recommended, starting with 15-20 minutes and working up to 30-45 minutes sessions 3-5 times weekly. However, it's crucial to avoid activities that cause pain in the injured tendon. The physiological benefits include increased collagen synthesis, improved tendon structure, and enhanced load tolerance. For optimal recovery, aerobic exercise should be combined with appropriate tendon-specific rehabilitation exercises prescribed by a healthcare professional, along with proper nutrition and adequate rest between exercise sessions.
Some key points to consider when implementing aerobic exercise for tendon healing include:
- Starting with low-intensity exercises and gradually increasing the intensity and duration as healing progresses
- Avoiding activities that cause pain in the injured tendon
- Combining aerobic exercise with tendon-specific rehabilitation exercises and proper nutrition
- Getting adequate rest between exercise sessions
It's also important to note that while the provided evidence does not directly address the topic of aerobic exercise for tendon healing, studies such as 1 suggest that exercise regimens, including aerobic exercise, can be beneficial for reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee OA, which can be related to tendon injuries. However, more specific research on the topic of aerobic exercise for tendon healing is needed to provide more definitive recommendations.
From the Research
Aerobic Exercise and Tendon Healing
- Aerobic exercise has been shown to have various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and reduced mortality from coronary artery disease 2.
- While there is limited direct evidence on the effect of aerobic exercise on tendon healing, studies suggest that exercise therapy, in general, can be beneficial for tendinopathy 3, 4.
- Aerobic exercise may contribute to healing by improving overall blood flow and reducing inflammation, although its effect on tendons specifically is not well understood.
- A study on chronic pain found that aerobic physical exercise can improve pain intensity, aerobic capacity, and quality of life in patients with chronic pain 5.
- Another study highlighted the health benefits of physical activity, including a dose-response relationship between physical activity and premature mortality, as well as the primary and secondary prevention of several chronic medical conditions 6.
Mechanisms of Aerobic Exercise on Tendon Healing
- The exact mechanisms by which aerobic exercise affects tendon healing are not fully understood, but it is thought that improved blood flow and reduced inflammation may play a role.
- Exercise therapy, including aerobic exercise, has been shown to be safe and beneficial for patients with tendinopathy, with improvements in disability and physical function capacity 3.
- The combination of aerobic exercise with other conservative modalities, such as strengthening exercises or electrotherapy, may be more effective than aerobic exercise alone 3, 4.
Limitations and Future Directions
- The current evidence on the effect of aerobic exercise on tendon healing is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
- Studies have methodological limitations, and the quality of the available evidence is generally low 3, 4.
- Further research is needed to determine the optimal type, intensity, and duration of aerobic exercise for tendon healing, as well as its effects on different types of tendinopathy.