Common areas afflicted with are the lateral epicondyle, patella tendon and rotator cuff. These areas respond very well to anti-inflammatory modalities including ultrasound, ice and iontophoresis. Iontophoresis is an electrical modality that uses an electromotive force to deliver a small dose of medication into the affected area. Many medications are used with iontophoresis but we most commonly use dexamethasone. Iontophoresis is beneficial because it delivers small doses of medication over a period of time (generally 6 treatments), it delivers the medication locally and no needles are used, minimizing the risk of infection and further tissue damage. Some tendinitises result in some weakness especially when the rotator cuff is involved. In these instances specific exercises are employed, to help restore strength and normalize function.
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