Overview
Tendonitis (aka tendinitis) refers to tendon inflammation.
Tendons are fibrous bands of tissue that join bone to muscle.
This condition is caused by repetitive movements or performing the same or similar movements for a long period of time.
Overusing or injuring tendons can result in tendon pain, wear and tear, and even a limited motion range.
Common types of tendonitis are:
- Jumper’s knee
- Tennis elbow
- Pitcher’s shoulder
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tendonitis of the Achilles tendon
Top MC Blends Picks
 |  |  |  | |
| Vibrant Blue Oils Anti-inflammatory Essential Oil Blend Shop | Amrita Muscle Tension Essential Oil Blend Shop | Rocky Mountain Oils True Blue Essential Oil Blend Shop | Amrita Muscle Joint Ease Essential Oil Blend Shop | |
| MC Score | 99% | 95% | 90% | 95% |
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Non-Certified) | Yes (Certified) | Yes (Non-Certified) | No |
| Chemical Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (Contact Company) | Yes (Contact Company) | Yes (On Site) | No (Contact Company) |
Best Essential Oils for Tendonitis Symptoms
 |  |  |  | |
| Vibrant Blue Oils Peppermint Essential Oil Shop | Vibrant Blue Oils Lavender Essential Oil Shop | Amrita Chamomile Essential Oil Shop | Plant Therapy Frankincense Essential Oil Shop | |
| MC Score | 99% | 99% | 95% | 89% |
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Non-Certified) | Yes (Non-Certified) | Yes (Certified) | Yes (Certified) |
| Chemical Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (Contact Company) | Yes (Contact Company) | Yes (On Site) | Yes (On Site) |
Six Conventional & Natural Treatments for Tendonitis
- RICE method
RICE stands for Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation.
Discontinue elbow-intensive activity so that the tendon can rest.
Apply ice packs daily to the affected area for at least 10 minutes at a time.
Use compression packs and keep the elbow elevated too.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medicine
You can try OTC pain relievers like Advil, Tylenol, or Motrin, but also know that these are temporary band-aids rather than long-term solutions. They also come with their own side-effects to consider.
- Cortisone shot
If the pain is severe and nothing else works, your doctor may prescribe you a cortisone shot to counter the inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory diet
What you eat matters! Opt for an anti-inflammatory diet rich in good fats and a wide range of multi-colored, antioxidant-filled vegetables.
- Physical therapy
This can improve recovery time and decrease your chances of severe lost mobility and range of motion. Your therapist will give you multiple exercises to work out that area.
- Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
If you’re after a more natural approach to managing tendonitis symptoms, then essential oils may help.
Essential Oils As Natural Remedies
Essential oils (EOs) are highly concentrated plant extracts containing hundreds of active chemicals known to help accelerate healing and balance in the body.
Several EOs have beneficial properties for addressing tendonitis symptoms:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Analgesic properties (pain relief)
- Antispasmodic properties (reduce muscle spasms and sore muscles)
EOs can also help address joint pain.
The Best Essential Oils For Tendonitis Symptoms
- Peppermint (menthol)
MC Top Pick
Vibrant Blue Oils Peppermint Essential Oil
| MC Score | 99% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Non-Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (Contact Company) |
- Lavender
MC Top Pick
Vibrant Blue Oils Lavender Essential Oil
| MC Score | 99% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Non-Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (Contact Company) |
- Chamomile
MC Top Pick
Amrita Chamomile Essential Oil
| MC Score | 95% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (On Site) |
- Frankincense
MC Top Pick
Plant Therapy Frankincense Essential Oil
| MC Score | 89% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (On Site) |
- Rosemary
MC Top Pick
Rocky Mountain Oils Rosemary Essential Oil
| MC Score | 90% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Non-Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (On Site) |
- Clove
MC Top Pick
Amrita Clove Essential Oil
| MC Score | 95% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (On Site) |
- Ginger
MC Top Pick
Aromafloria Ginger Essential Oil
| MC Score | 93% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (On Site) |
- Clary sage
MC Top Pick
Mountain Rose Herbs Clary Sage Essential Oil
| MC Score | 99% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (Contact Company) |
- Helichrysum
MC Top Pick
Mountain Rose Herbs Helichrysum Essential Oil
| MC Score | 99% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (Contact Company) |
- Lemongrass
MC Top Pick
Amrita Lemongrass Essential Oil
| MC Score | 95% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (On Site) |
- Geranium
MC Top Pick
Aromafloria Geranium Essential Oil
| MC Score | 93% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (On Site) |
- Wintergreen
MC Top Pick
Rocky Mountain Oils Wintergreen Essential Oil
| MC Score | 90% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Non-Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (On Site) |
- Marjoram
MC Top Pick
Mountain Rose Herbs Marjoram Essential Oil
| MC Score | 99% |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic grade? | Yes |
| Organic or Wild-Crafted? | Yes (Certified) |
| Chemical free? | Yes |
| Testing available? | Yes (Contact Company) |
How To Use Essential Oils For Tendonitis
The most effective way to use EOs for this condition is to massage oils directly on the affected area(s).
Always dilute EOs with a carrier oil like coconut oil before applying them directly to the skin.
You may use a rollerbottle for easy application.
Stick to 2-3 drops of EO per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
You can also add a few drops of EOs to a bowl of warm or hot water and use a towel as a warm compress.
Essential oil diffusers aren’t effective at managing tendonitis symptoms because the topical application is more targeted than inhalation.
Safety Concerns
When used safely and adequately, EOs usually offer little to no side effects.
EOs must always be diluted in a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation and possible reactions when used topically as a natural aid for tendonitis pain and other symptoms.
It’s advisable to perform a patch test on a non-affected area of the skin and wait 24 hours to confirm no allergic reaction.
If you experience any adverse reaction to any oil, discontinue use immediately and consult your healthcare provider.
Be aware of each oil you use contraindications as some EOs aren’t suitable for children or pregnant or nursing women.
Always choose high-quality, certified organic and therapeutic grade products to avoid diluted batches and the addition of potentially harmful chemicals.
A DIY Essential Oil Blend For Tendonitis
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 drops frankincense essential oil
- 3 drops helichrysum essential oil
- ½ cup of coconut oil as the carrier oil
In a glass bowl or non-BPA container, mix the oils and then apply to the affected areas and gently massage in circular motions.
For best results, apply twice a day, morning and evening.
Store in a dark glass container with an airtight lid.
Keep away from direct sunlight or heat.
