The condition tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon, which is the fibrous attachment of the muscle to the bone.  Most commonly, the tendon becomes inflammed because the muscle is overused.  This overusage leads to scar tissue formation, which ultimately leads to tightness in the muscle and more tension on the tendon. 

The most common areas for tendinitis are at the elbow, shoulder, knee and the Achilles tendon.  Symptoms are usually swelling and achy pain that is worsened after usage. Treatment for tendinitis is two-fold.  To help alleviate the pain and swelling ice and rest are recommended, but to effectively correct the tendinitis, the source of the problem must be addressed.  This is where Active Release Technique(ART) is so effective, as it is designed to break up scar tissue.  Through specific and focused ART treatments, the scar tissue is removed and the muscle is essentially lengthened back to its pre-injury state.  Therefore, there isn't a constant "pull" on the tendon, which will reduce the strain and swelling in the affected area. 

Treatment time depends on the severity of the injury and how much the patient has to use the affected area in the meantime.