Shoulder tendonitis (or tendinitis) is an injury caused by inflammation of your biceps or rotator cuff tendons. The rotator cuff tendons may have become trapped in your shoulder socket. The pinching they experience there (as you move your arm around) can cause them to become irritated and inflamed.
Shoulder tendonitis is also commonly known as rotator cuff tendonitis when the injured tendons are those of the rotator cuff. It is a common injury among athletes in sports that require extensive throwing, bowling or smashing actions. Workers in occupations that require extensive overhead activity also tend to show a high rate of susceptibility to this injury.
Other names by which this injury is sometimes known are rotator cuff impingement or shoulder impingement.
If you have shoulder tendonitis, you will experience difficulty performing overhead actions (such as painting, for example). You will lack arm/shoulder strength when trying to perform such functions. In addition, your shoulder range of motion will be reduced.
Shoulder tendonitis is usually treated by resting the shoulder or biceps tendons and allowing them to recover naturally. Anti pain or anti inflammatory medications may also be prescribed.
The rotator cuff muscles and tendons surround the socket in the shoulder blade. The “ball” at the top of the upper arm bone is located in this socket. The rotator cuff muscles control the movement of your upper arm in all dimensions.
The rotator cuff muscles are also instrumental in helping you to hold your arm above your head. They play critical roles in performing a wide range of everyday actions. These include, for example, dressing and combing your hair. They are critical even in playing sports like tennis or baseball (when throwing or other complex shoulder movements are needed).
If the rotator cuff tendons are overused they may become trapped inside the shoulder socket. As a result, they may be pinched by the ball at the top of the upper arm.
Over time, as you use your arm, this can lead to irritation of those tendons and then to inflammation.
The risk factors for shoulder tendonitis may include:
Common shoulder tendonitis symptoms may include the following:
If the condition is not treated, the symptoms can worsen as follows:
It’s important to note that the symptoms of shoulder tendonitis can be very similar to those of other shoulder injuries. For example, the symptoms of a torn rotator cuff can closely resemble those listed above.
In addition, shoulder tendonitis may often co- exist with other problems such as shoulder bursitis. You should therefore seek medical advice if you experience some or all of the above symptoms.
Your doctor will likely start the diagnosis process with a thorough review of your medical history. He or she will note in particular any previous shoulder injuries.
Next, your doctor will likely perform a thorough physical exam of your injured shoulder. You may be asked to move your arm over your head and report any pain or difficulty when doing so.
Finally, your doctor may request an imaging study to better understand any damage to shoulder structures that you may have. Imaging studies may include X-rays, an MRI or an ultrasound exam.
Your doctor may conclude that you indeed have shoulder tendonitis. If so, he or she can prescribe a range of conservative (non surgical) treatments. They may include:
If your shoulder tendonitis is severe, your doctor may suggest surgical intervention. However, surgery is rarely required for treatment of this injury.
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The LP Shoulder Supports promotes rapid healing of your dislocated or otherwise damaged shoulder and helps you return gradually to a full range of motion.
