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Patient Questions  /  Should I rest tendonitis?

Shoulder, Elbow & Hand

Should I Rest Tendonitis Until It Stops Hurting?

Usually not completely. Easing off the activity that flares it up is often wise, but full rest tends to leave a tendon weaker, so pain can return as soon as you go back to normal. Most tendon problems improve best with the right amount of gradually increasing exercise.

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Why tendons need some load

Tendons connect muscle to bone. Many long-lasting tendon problems, now often called tendinopathy, come from a tendon being asked to do more than it's ready for, like a new sport, a jump in activity or repetitive work.

Tendons get stronger when they are loaded steadily over time. Resting completely can calm pain in the short run, but the tendon also loses strength. That's why many people rest for weeks, feel better, then flare up again the first time they go back to their activity.

A smarter approach: relative rest

  • Reduce, don't stop. Cut back on the activities that clearly make it worse, while keeping the rest of your routine.
  • Start specific exercise. Strengthening for the affected tendon, increased slowly over weeks, is a core part of treatment.
  • Use pain as a guide. Mild discomfort during exercise is often OK if it settles by the next day. Pain that is worse the next morning means you did too much.
  • Look at the whole picture. Sleep, overall fitness, technique and your work setup can all affect how a tendon copes.
  • Be patient. Tendons adapt slowly. It often takes several weeks to a few months to see steady progress.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • A sudden pop or snap with weakness, such as being unable to push off your foot or bend your elbow
  • A hot, red, swollen joint, or pain with fever
  • Tendon pain that started soon after taking a new antibiotic: call your doctor
  • Numbness, tingling or pain spreading down an arm or leg

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can work out which activities are overloading the tendon, set the right starting level for exercise, and progress it step by step so you can get back to work, sports and daily life with less chance of it coming back.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Tendonitis and overuse injuries →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026