What is an “itis,” and can massage therapy help?
The suffix “itis” indicates a condition of inflammation in a tissue. Many people have heard of tendonitis by some of the more common names: tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome. “Itis” conditions and its sister condition, “osis” (as in tendonitis and tendonosis) indicate that pain in an area of the body is being caused by adhesion (sticking, binding) and rubbing (irritation) of the muscle, tendon, and connective tissue. Usually the adhesion and rubbing are caused by overuse and repetitive body mechanics. The muscles and connective tissue are tight and contracted, and they pull on their attachment to bones (tendons), causing irritation and inflammation. In acute, or short-term situations of inflammation, the pain caused by tendonosis and tendonitis can often be relieved by a combination of massage therapy, stretching, strengthening exercises, and potentially the application of heat or ice.
