Tendonitis
What is tendonitis?
Shoulder Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the shoulder, typically affecting the rotator cuff or the biceps tendon.
Types of Shoulder Tendonitis:
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Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: Inflammation of one or more tendons of the rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis). Common in athletes and workers who perform repetitive overhead motions.
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Biceps Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder. Often associated with rotator cuff injuries or repetitive lifting.
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Calcific Tendonitis: A form of tendonitis where calcium deposits build up in the rotator cuff tendons, causing severe pain and limiting movement.
Mechanism of Injury:
Shoulder tendonitis is typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse of the shoulder, particularly in activities that involve overhead movements, like swimming, tennis, or painting. Poor posture and aging can also contribute by increasing wear and tear on the tendons.
Symptoms
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Pain: Dull, aching pain in the shoulder, especially with overhead activities or lifting the arm.
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Tenderness: Soreness over the affected tendon, particularly at the front or side of the shoulder.
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Swelling: Mild swelling around the affected tendon.
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Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty reaching up or behind the back due to pain and stiffness.
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Weakness: Reduced shoulder strength, making it hard to perform everyday tasks.
Treatment
Immediate Treatment:
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Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain.
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Pain Relief: NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
Clinical Treatment:
In the clinic, a variety of treatments may be employed to address shoulder tendonitis:
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Massage Therapy:
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Deep Tissue Massage: Targets muscle knots and tightness around the shoulder, improving blood flow and reducing tension.
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Trigger Point Therapy: Focuses on specific points of pain to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility.
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2. Ultrasound Therapy:
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Utilises sound waves to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. It can also help in breaking down calcium deposits in cases of calcific tendonitis.
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3. Dry Needling:
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Involves inserting thin needles into trigger points or tight muscles to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve function.
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4. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM):
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Uses specialised tools to perform deep tissue work, breaking down scar tissue and adhesions to enhance mobility and reduce pain.
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5. Hot Stone Therapy:
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Application of heated stones to relax muscles, improve circulation, and relieve tension in the shoulder area.
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6. Cupping Therapy:
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Involves placing suction cups on the skin to increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing.
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7. Rehabilitation Plans:
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Stretching Exercises: Focused on improving flexibility in the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles.
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Strengthening Exercises: Specifically targeting the rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers to restore strength and prevent future injuries.
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Posture Correction: Education and exercises to improve posture, reducing strain on the shoulder tendons.
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Progressive Resistance Training: Gradually increasing resistance in exercises to build shoulder strength and endurance.
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Functional Training: Tailored exercises that mimic everyday activities or sports-specific movements to ensure a safe return to full function.
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By combining these treatments with a customised rehabilitation plan, the goal is to alleviate pain, restore full shoulder function, and prevent future occurrences of tendonitis.