Shoulder Tendinitis

Shoulder tendinitis is often caused by overuse or injury from repetitive motion or a blow to the shoulder. It is common in athletes and those who have suffered a shoulder injury, but anyone can develop shoulder tendinitis from repetitive use of the tendons.

Four tendons make up the rotator cuff:

1. Infraspinatus tendon

2. Subscapularis tendon

3. Supraspinatus tendon

4. Teres minor tendon

Shoulder Tendinitis, Supraspinatus tendinitis

Supraspinatus muscle tears are the most common rotator cuff injuries, with a prevalence of 61.9% in men and 38.1% in women. Supraspinatus tears are very common in people >60 years of age; furthermore, 70% of people >80 years develop these tears.

Stages of Tendonitis in the Shoulder:

Overuse tendonitis: Shoulder motions used during activities like golfing, throwing or overhead lifting may cause repetitive stress within the rotator cuff, leading to irritation, bruising or fraying of the tendon. This can cause shoulder tendonitis pain and weakness in the joint.

Calcific tendonitis: Inflammation over a long period can sometimes result in a build-up of calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons. This leads to pain and loss of shoulder strength and motion.

Rotator cuff tear: Severe tendinitis from fraying or degeneration, or a sudden injury, such as a fall, can cause partial or complete tearing of the rotator cuff tendon(s). This can result in more severe shoulder pain, weakness, loss of normal movement and awakening at night due to pain. Learn more about how we treat rotator cuff tears.

To diagnose which specific tendon in rotator cuff is inflamed and what stage it is in, book an appointment at PhysioGenics St Johns Wood London.

Symptoms:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, see an experienced Physiotherapist at PhysioGenics at St Johns Wood London, for shoulder tendinitis:

1. Clicking or popping of the shoulder

2. Loss of range of motion

3. Shoulder pain

4. Shoulder weakness

5. Swelling or tenderness in your shoulder

Causes:

1. Non progressive training overload: Too Much Too Soon. It is on of the conditions affecting people who take up new year's resolution to get fit in short time interval. (Resolution pain).

2. Excessive push and press movements

3. Pre-existing poor posture

4. Internal rotation dominant movements

Diagnosis:

1. Clinical assessment through physical examination.

2. Tears: if the therapist suspects there could be tear, he can refer for an ultrasound scan to identify the extent of tear. Ultrasound scans are a quick, cost effective and reliable method of identifying the tears

3. MRI scan

Rehabilitation:

Conservative Management

1. Stretches

2. Exercises

3. Manual Therapy at PhysioGenics St Johns Wood London.

4. Electrotherapy

5. Ultrasound to reduce inflammation

Fundamental routine for good shoulder health:

Stage 1: 1-3 weeks shoulder exercises. 2-3 times/weeks

Stage 2: 3-6 weeks.

Don'ts: Avoid following exercises