Things You Should Know About Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Things You Should Know About Rotator Cuff Tendonitis Rotator cuff tendinitis is inflammation of the connective tissues that help the shoulder to move. The blog lists the treatment options for this condition.

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal pain problems. The shoulder is made up of several joints (a group of tendons and muscles called a rotator cuff) that offer a great range of motion in your arm. This also makes the shoulder susceptible to injury. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common shoulder disorder that occurs when the tendons and muscles that are responsible for the support and movement of the shoulder joint become inflamed or irritated. Also called referred to as shoulder bursitis, the condition is quite common in sports that involve highly repetitive overhead motions. This form of tendinitis can be very painful and may prevent a person from performing routine activities.

Leading pain management centers offer specialized rehabilitation services in Brooklyn, NYC that help address the pain and swelling associated with this shoulder disorder and promote quick healing.

Rotator cuff tendonitis can be the result of keeping your shoulder in one position for a while, sleeping on your shoulder every night, or participating in activities that require lifting your arm over your head. It is generally more common in young athletes and middle-aged people. Young athletes who happen to use their arms overhead for swimming, baseball, and tennis are particularly vulnerable. People who do repetitive lifting or overhead activities using the arm, such as paper hanging, construction, or painting, are also at risk of this shoulder injury. Rotator cuff tendinitis can also occur without any known cause.

Common Symptoms The symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis are usually mild at first, but tend to get worse over time. The typical signs are pain in the outer part of the upper arm and front and top of the shoulder. This will get worse when the arms are raised above head. Common symptoms include – Shoulder stiffness Pain when reaching behind the back Pain when raising or lowering the arm Pain that disrupts sleep Pain and swelling in the front of the shoulder and side of the arm Loss of mobility and strength in the affected arm A clicking sound when raising the arm Minor pain, even when the shoulder is still Diagnosis and Treatment Like other musculoskeletal injuries, diagnosis will generally begin with a detailed physical examination of the joint for feelings of pain and tenderness. Your physician will also test the range of motion by asking you to move their arm in certain directions. The strength of the joint will also be evaluated. Your neck will be examined to check for conditions such as a pinched nerve or arthritis, that can cause symptoms similar to rotator cuff tendinitis. Imaging tests such as X-ray (to check for bone spur), ultrasound, or MRI scan may be performed to check for inflammation and signs of tearing in the rotator cuff.

Initial treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis involves managing pain and swelling to promote healing. This can be done by avoiding activities that irritate the shoulder, applying cold packs (3-4 times per day for 15 minutes) and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).

In multispecialty healthcare center, shoulder pain treatment involves a wide range of nonsurgical modalities to improve symptoms and restore function which include –

Physical therapy – Physical therapy involves a combination of therapeutic exercise programs to reduce pain, build muscle strength and improve range of motion. Exercise programs include – strengthening, stretching, aerobic, and isometric exercises.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – Low electrical simulation interacts with the sensory nervous system to decrease muscle stiffness and pain.

Steroid injections – Corticosteroid injections can provide short-term pain relief.

Ice or heat – Ice application helps reduce inflammation and pain. When the pain and inflammation have improved, hot packs or a heating pad may help relax tightened and sore muscles.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – RFA uses electrical current produced by a radio wave to heat up a small area of nerve tissue, which decreases pain signals from the area.

Chiropractic care - Chiropractic treatment can loosen up the joints of the cervical vertebrae in the neck, which helps alleviate joint pain and muscle spasms, and correct overall spinal alignment.

If nonsurgical treatments do not give the desired results, surgery may be recommended Common surgical options include - arthroscopic tendon repair, open tendon repair, tendon transfer and shoulder replacement.

Preventing Rotator Cuff Injury The best way to prevent rotator cuff tendinitis is to avoid or limit activities that irritate the shoulder.

Taking this precaution can also help reduce the number of flare-ups. Here are some tips to prevent or manage rotator cuff tendinitis -



Stretch the shoulders throughout the day.



Take breaks from repetitive motions, movements, or postures.



Maintain good posture when sitting, standing, and walking.



Sleep on the back or alternate sides.



Rest the shoulder as soon as pain begins.



Refrain from making too many repetitive or forceful overhead motions.

To limit irritation as much as possible, people who play sports that involve the shoulder should ensure that they are using the correct technique.