Shoulder tendonitis, also known as rotator cuff tendonitis, is a common cause of shoulder pain that can significantly impact your daily life. In this guide, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for shoulder tendonitis, with a focus on how physical therapy can help you recover and improve your shoulder function.
Understanding Shoulder Tendonitis
Shoulder tendonitis occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, become inflamed or irritated. This inflammation can cause pain and limit your shoulder's range of motion.
Common Tendons Affected by Shoulder Tendonitis
The most common tendons affected by shoulder tendonitis include:
- The supraspinatus tendon, which runs along the top of the shoulder and is responsible for lifting your arm
- The infraspinatus tendon, which runs along the back of the shoulder and helps with external rotation of the arm
- The subscapularis tendon, which runs along the front of the shoulder and helps with internal rotation of the arm
- The teres minor tendon, which runs along the back of the shoulder and helps with external rotation of the arm
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Common symptoms of shoulder tendonitis include:
- Pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting your arm or reaching overhead
- Swelling and tenderness in the shoulder area
- Pain that worsens at night
- Limited range of motion in the shoulder
- Pain that radiates from the shoulder to the neck or down the arm
How is Shoulder Tendonitis Diagnosed?
To diagnose shoulder tendonitis, your healthcare provider will:
- Take a detailed medical history to understand your symptoms and any previous shoulder injuries or conditions
- Perform a physical examination to assess your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and stability
- May order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Shoulder Tendonitis
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the management of shoulder tendonitis. A physical therapist can help you:
- Reduce pain and inflammation through manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilizations and soft tissue massage
- Improve shoulder mobility and flexibility with targeted exercises, including range-of-motion exercises and stretching
- Strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint to provide better support and stability, with exercises focusing on the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
- Correct any postural issues that may contribute to shoulder tendonitis, with education on proper ergonomics and body mechanics
What to Expect in a Physical Therapy Session
- A comprehensive assessment of your shoulder function, range of motion, and strength, to tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs
- Hands-on techniques to mobilize your shoulder joint and soft tissues, to improve mobility and reduce pain
- Tailored exercises to improve your shoulder strength and flexibility, including rotator cuff strengthening exercises, scapular stabilization exercises, and shoulder blade squeezes
- Education on proper posture and ergonomics to prevent shoulder tendonitis, with guidance on how to modify your daily activities to reduce strain on your shoulder
- Modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation may also be used to manage pain and inflammation
Conclusion
Shoulder tendonitis can be a painful and limiting condition, but with the right treatment, including physical therapy, you can find relief and improve your shoulder function. By working closely with a physical therapist and following a personalized treatment plan, you can regain mobility, reduce pain, and get back to enjoying your daily activities without shoulder pain holding you back.
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