CBD for tendonitis: The benefits according to studies
Discover how CBD may help soothe discomfort, support recovery, and promote wellness for tendonitis with insights from studies and expert tips.
Tendonitis is a common condition that affects the tendons — those tough, flexible bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone. It often results from overuse or repetitive strain, making everyday activities challenging and uncomfortable.
People dealing with tendonitis might experience stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility, which can interfere with work, exercise, or even simple tasks like carrying groceries.
CBD may have caught your eye if you’re looking for relief from tendonitis. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD interacts with the body in unique ways to promote overall balance and calm.
This article explores how CBD might help soothe discomfort associated with tendonitis, with insights from scientific studies to help you make informed decisions regarding your well-being.
What is tendonitis?
Tendonitis occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed or irritated. Tendons are responsible for connecting muscles to bones and play a key role in helping your body move efficiently. When these tissues are stressed or overused, they can swell and cause discomfort.
What can cause tendonitis?
Tendonitis is often linked to repetitive motions that strain the tendons over time. This is especially common in activities like typing, gardening, or playing sports, where certain movements are repeated frequently.
Aging also plays a role, as tendons naturally lose some elasticity and strength over the years. In some cases, tendonitis can arise from poor posture, improper technique during physical activities, or an acute injury that overloads the tendon.
For active individuals, sports-related stress is a common culprit. Runners, swimmers, and tennis players may develop tendonitis in areas like the knees, shoulders, or elbows due to the repetitive demands of their activities. Even non-athletes can experience this condition from everyday tasks like lifting, cleaning, or working long hours on a computer.
What does tendonitis feel like?
The symptoms of tendonitis can vary but often include stiffness, tenderness, and discomfort in the affected area. Movements involving the irritated tendon may feel restricted or even sharp at times. For example, someone with tendonitis in their shoulder may find it difficult to reach overhead, while tendonitis in the wrist can make gripping objects uncomfortable.
Managing tendonitis often involves a combination of approaches. Resting the affected tendon and applying ice are common first steps to reduce swelling.
Physical therapy or stretching exercises can help restore mobility, and over-the-counter options or compression garments are typically used to ease tension and soreness. These methods can work well together, but some people are turning to CBD as an additional tool to support recovery and soothe lingering discomfort.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound extracted from the hemp plant. It belongs to a class of substances called cannabinoids, which are known for their interactions with the human body.
Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, CBD does not produce a high. Instead, it’s valued for its wellness benefits and ability to support balance within the body.*
Cannabinoids like CBD are believed to help the body manage feelings of tension, discomfort, and stress while promoting relaxation and recovery.* For many, CBD has become a popular choice for those looking to enhance their overall wellness routine.
How does CBD work in the body?
CBD’s benefits are closely tied to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a natural network within the body that helps maintain balance.
The ECS plays a role in regulating key functions like mood, sleep, immune response, and how the body perceives discomfort.* At the heart of this system are cannabinoid receptors, which are found throughout the body in areas like muscles, connective tissues, the brain, and immune cells.
The role of CB1 and CB2 receptors
The two main types of cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors are most abundant in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are more commonly found in the immune system and peripheral tissues like muscles and connective tissues.* These receptors are designed to interact with endocannabinoids, which are compounds naturally produced by the body to help regulate various processes.
When you introduce CBD into your system, it doesn’t bind directly to these receptors but instead influences them in a way that enhances the ECS’s overall function. This interaction allows CBD to help manage discomfort and support natural recovery processes throughout the body.*
Can CBD help with tendonitis?
For someone dealing with tendonitis, CBD may help in a few important ways. First, it can encourage relaxation in overworked or strained muscles, making it easier to move without discomfort.*
CBD may also support healthy blood flow, which is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the affected area to promote recovery.*
Additionally, CBD’s ability to calm feelings of tension and discomfort can be particularly helpful for those experiencing stiffness or restricted movement. By interacting with the body’s ECS, CBD helps to restore balance, offering a natural way to support tendon health and overall wellness.*
What are the potential benefits of CBD for tendonitis?
CBD may offer some potential benefits for those managing tendonitis, including soothing general feelings of discomfort, supporting overall mobility, supporting proper recovery, and promoting overall wellness.
Discomfort management
CBD interacts with the body’s ECS, influencing receptors like CB1 and CB2 to promote relaxation and calm feelings of tension.* This interaction may help relieve discomfort associated with tendonitis, offering relief from the soreness that can limit mobility.
Studies suggest that CBD has soothing properties, which could contribute to its effectiveness in addressing muscle and joint discomfort.* While more research into CBD and tendonitis is needed, early findings provide a promising foundation for CBD’s potential in managing discomfort related to overworked tendons.*
Supporting mobility and recovery
Stiffness and soreness from tendonitis can make it difficult to stay active. CBD’s ability to ease tension throughout the body may help individuals maintain their mobility, reducing the impact of tendonitis on daily activities.*
One study found that CBD might be able to help support cell proliferation and migration, which can play an important role in recovery and musculoskeletal regenerative medicine.*
Sleep Support
Sleep is an essential component of recovery, as much of the body’s healing occurs during restful sleep. For those with tendonitis, discomfort can interfere with sleep quality, prolonging the recovery process.
CBD is known for its calming effects, which can help support better sleep by easing tension and promoting feelings of relaxation.* By supporting restorative sleep, CBD may indirectly help the body dedicate proper time and energy to repairing damaged tendons.
General wellness support
Recovering from tendonitis often involves more than physical healing. Emotional wellness plays a significant role in managing discomfort and staying committed to recovery routines.
CBD’s relaxing properties can provide a sense of ease, helping to alleviate the emotional toll of dealing with tendonitis.* Whether it’s reducing tension or promoting an overall sense of balance, CBD may support emotional well-being during recovery.
What forms of CBD are best for tendonitis?
There are several types of CBD products available, each offering unique benefits for tendonitis relief:
- Topicals: Creams, balms, and roll-ons allow for targeted application directly to the affected area. This can be helpful for localized discomfort and stiffness, as the CBD is fast-acting and works directly on the area in need.
- Tinctures: Taken sublingually, tinctures provide systemic effects, helping to address discomfort and support recovery throughout the body. They are fast-acting and versatile.
- Capsules, gummies, and edibles: These forms offer convenience and precise serving sizes to encourage full-body relaxation. Though ingestible CBD may take longer to take effect compared to tinctures or topicals, these options are also longer-lasting.
Each option has its advantages. Topicals are excellent for quick, targeted support, while tinctures and edibles provide broader, long-lasting benefits. Choosing the right form depends on individual needs and the type of relief sought.
How to take CBD for tendonitis
When using CBD for tendonitis, it’s important to select high-quality products that have undergone third-party testing to ensure purity and potency. Look for clear labeling and avoid misleading claims.
For targeted relief, apply a topical to the affected area when discomfort arises. Tinctures or edibles can be used before bed to encourage restful sleep or prior to activities that might strain the tendon. Keep in mind that tinctures typically take effect within 15-30 minutes, while edibles can take up to an hour. Planning ahead can help align CBD use with your wellness routine.
Precautions and considerations
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, potential side effects may include fatigue, nausea, or changes in appetite. CBD may also interact with certain medications, so we recommend consulting a healthcare provider before incorporating CBD into your wellness plan if you are taking other medications.
It’s also essential to recognize when to seek medical attention for tendonitis. If discomfort persists or worsens despite self-care efforts, a healthcare provider can offer tailored treatment options.
CBD isn’t a cure or official treatment for tendonitis, but it can complement other strategies for managing symptoms and supporting recovery.
The bottom line
CBD offers several potential benefits for those dealing with tendonitis, from soothing discomfort to supporting mobility and recovery. Its calming properties can also promote better sleep and emotional wellness, key factors in a holistic recovery approach.
Choosing high-quality CBD products and consulting with professionals ensures you’re making informed decisions that align with your wellness goals. Pairing CBD with other effective strategies, like rest, physical therapy, and proper technique, can help you manage tendonitis and maintain an active lifestyle. Listen to your body, and adjust your approach as needed to support your overall well-being.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
Tendonitis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic
Effect of Aging on Tendon Biology, Biomechanics and Implications for Treatment Approaches | PMC
6 Ways to Improve Your Posture, From a Physical Therapist | HSS
An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system | PMC
CB1 & CB2 Receptor Pharmacology | PMC
Cannabidiol improves blood flow to brain’s hippocampus | University College London