Shoulder Tendonitis
What is Shoulder Tendonitis?
Shoulder tendonitis, also known as shoulder tendinopathy, is a generic term that encompasses different shoulder pathologies but usually refers to the inflammation and degeneration of the tendons that make up the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tendonitis is the most common cause of shoulder pain and is associated with high levels of absenteeism from work and a reduced quality of life.
What causes shoulder tendonitis?
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body and for it to function properly, there must be a delicate balance between movement and stabilizing structures. The rotator cuff plays a central role in the shoulder as it is essential for elevation and rotation movements as it also stabilizes the joint. Therefore, inflammation of these tendons is associated with pain and changes in the biomechanics of the shoulder .
Tendonitis can be caused by several factors. Although trauma is an obvious cause, tendonitis or rotator cuff tendinopathy is most often associated with repetitive movements, overloading and poor posture at work. Therefore, there are professions with a higher risk of developing this condition, such as those linked to construction, mechanics and manufacturing due to their physical demands, and others such as teaching and secretarial and computer work associated with poor posture.
On the other hand, the practice of some sports that involve constant use of the upper limbs, such as tennis, rowing, handball and basketball, also have an increased risk of these pathologies. In addition to these factors, the anatomy and genetics of each individual, a sedentary lifestyle and poor sports practice also seem to play an important role.
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis
Pain and weakness are the most common symptoms, especially when performing anterior shoulder elevation and external rotation movements. However, pain may be present at rest and be even more intense at night, and may even disturb sleep. Symptoms may appear suddenly, but they are more likely to have a gradual and progressive onset.
Shoulder Tendonitis Diagnosis
X-ray
X-rays are an inexpensive and easily accessible test. They are a good initial diagnostic test, especially in cases where there is associated trauma. They can easily be used for differential diagnosis with other pathologies that also cause shoulder pain, such as fractures, shoulder osteoarthritis and tumors.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging is the best test for assessing soft tissue. It allows us to rule out other more serious pathologies such as rotator cuff tears, labrum tears or tumors.
Shoulder Tendonitis Treatment
Conservative
When to perform it? It is always the first initial treatment method because when correctly implemented it can restore shoulder balance.
Treatment options?
- Medication and Rest – The use of anti-inflammatories and analgesics associated with rest can be effective in isolation in the early stages of the disease. They become less effective in isolation as symptoms become more chronic, especially after 3 months.
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation through Exercise – Most scientific studies show that a well-structured rehabilitation exercise program is effective in treating the condition and that it is possible for the patient to return to work and to their previous state. The goal of rehabilitation should be to restore mobility and biomechanical balance of the shoulder.
- Corticosteroid infiltration - Corticosteroid infiltrations are an important analgesic weapon for pain control. They should be used if oral medication is not sufficient to control pain or in acute situations or in cases of significant nocturnal pain. Infiltrations are a safe but invasive procedure, so they should be used judiciously.
- Infiltrations with PRPs (growth factors): PRPs or platelet-rich plasma are growth factors that can help heal the inflammatory process and regenerate the degenerated tendon. This technique involves using the patient's own plasma and platelets, which are previously extracted and then centrifuged to prepare these growth factors for later infiltration into the injured area. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is discharged immediately after the infiltration, if clinically stable.
Surgical
When to perform it? Surgical treatment for rotator cuff tendonitis is always the exception and is only indicated if conservative treatment fails.
Technique – This involves performing a bursectomy with or without acromioplasty. This procedure is performed by arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive technique through small incisions in the skin (<0.5 cm). The objective is to visualize the entire shoulder joint through a scope, diagnosing possible injuries and cleaning all inflamed tissue and the subacromial bursa.
This procedure can be combined with acromioplasty, which consists of regularizing the lower surface of the acromion (approximately 4 mm) in order to decompress the subacromial space and reduce conflict between the head of the humerus and the tendons of the rotator cuff and the acromion when elevating the shoulder.
Postoperative
- Shoulder is not immobilized
- Remove the stitches after 15 days
- You should start a rehabilitation program determined for each patient individually.
How to prevent Shoulder Tendonitis?
Physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle are essential to prevent rotator cuff tendonitis, as they help maintain shoulder balance and stability. This is the only way to achieve lasting results that will provide a stronger, more resilient shoulder that will allow you to perform repetitive activities and correct postural errors. Tobacco has a negative effect on the rotator cuff, contributing to its premature degeneration.
When to seek an Orthopedic Specialist?
- Pain requiring analgesic medication for more than 3 days in a row
- Pain for more than a week, without the need for medication
- Pain associated with loss of mobility
- Nighttime pain that interferes with sleep
- If there was previous trauma
- Intense pain
What is Shoulder Tendonitis?
Shoulder tendonitis, also known as shoulder tendinopathy, is a generic term that encompasses different shoulder pathologies but usually refers to the inflammation and degeneration of the tendons that make up the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tendonitis is the most common cause of shoulder pain and is associated with high levels of absenteeism from work and a reduced quality of life.
What causes shoulder tendonitis?
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body and for it to function properly, there must be a delicate balance between movement and stabilizing structures. The rotator cuff plays a central role in the shoulder as it is essential for elevation and rotation movements as it also stabilizes the joint. Therefore, inflammation of these tendons is associated with pain and changes in the biomechanics of the shoulder .
Tendonitis can be caused by several factors. Although trauma is an obvious cause, tendonitis or rotator cuff tendinopathy is most often associated with repetitive movements, overloading and poor posture at work. Therefore, there are professions with a higher risk of developing this condition, such as those linked to construction, mechanics and manufacturing due to their physical demands, and others such as teaching and secretarial and computer work associated with poor posture.
On the other hand, the practice of some sports that involve constant use of the upper limbs, such as tennis, rowing, handball and basketball, also have an increased risk of these pathologies. In addition to these factors, the anatomy and genetics of each individual, a sedentary lifestyle and poor sports practice also seem to play an important role.
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis
Pain and weakness are the most common symptoms, especially when performing anterior shoulder elevation and external rotation movements. However, pain may be present at rest and be even more intense at night, and may even disturb sleep. Symptoms may appear suddenly, but they are more likely to have a gradual and progressive onset.
Shoulder Tendonitis Diagnosis
X-ray
X-rays are an inexpensive and easily accessible test. They are a good initial diagnostic test, especially in cases where there is associated trauma. They can easily be used for differential diagnosis with other pathologies that also cause shoulder pain, such as fractures, shoulder osteoarthritis and tumors.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging is the best test for assessing soft tissue. It allows us to rule out other more serious pathologies such as rotator cuff tears, labrum tears or tumors.
Shoulder Tendonitis Treatment
Conservative
When to perform it? It is always the first initial treatment method because when correctly implemented it can restore shoulder balance.
Treatment options?
- Medication and Rest – The use of anti-inflammatories and analgesics associated with rest can be effective in isolation in the early stages of the disease. They become less effective in isolation as symptoms become more chronic, especially after 3 months.
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation through Exercise – Most scientific studies show that a well-structured rehabilitation exercise program is effective in treating the condition and that it is possible for the patient to return to work and to their previous state. The goal of rehabilitation should be to restore mobility and biomechanical balance of the shoulder.
- Corticosteroid infiltration - Corticosteroid infiltrations are an important analgesic weapon for pain control. They should be used if oral medication is not sufficient to control pain or in acute situations or in cases of significant nocturnal pain. Infiltrations are a safe but invasive procedure, so they should be used judiciously.
- Infiltrations with PRPs (growth factors): PRPs or platelet-rich plasma are growth factors that can help heal the inflammatory process and regenerate the degenerated tendon. This technique involves using the patient's own plasma and platelets, which are previously extracted and then centrifuged to prepare these growth factors for later infiltration into the injured area. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is discharged immediately after the infiltration, if clinically stable.
Surgical
When to perform it? Surgical treatment for rotator cuff tendonitis is always the exception and is only indicated if conservative treatment fails.
Technique – This involves performing a bursectomy with or without acromioplasty. This procedure is performed by arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive technique through small incisions in the skin (<0.5 cm). The objective is to visualize the entire shoulder joint through a scope, diagnosing possible injuries and cleaning all inflamed tissue and the subacromial bursa.
This procedure can be combined with acromioplasty, which consists of regularizing the lower surface of the acromion (approximately 4 mm) in order to decompress the subacromial space and reduce conflict between the head of the humerus and the tendons of the rotator cuff and the acromion when elevating the shoulder.
Postoperative
- Shoulder is not immobilized
- Remove the stitches after 15 days
- You should start a rehabilitation program determined for each patient individually.
How to prevent Shoulder Tendonitis?
Physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle are essential to prevent rotator cuff tendonitis, as they help maintain shoulder balance and stability. This is the only way to achieve lasting results that will provide a stronger, more resilient shoulder that will allow you to perform repetitive activities and correct postural errors. Tobacco has a negative effect on the rotator cuff, contributing to its premature degeneration.
When to seek an Orthopedic Specialist?
- Pain requiring analgesic medication for more than 3 days in a row
- Pain for more than a week, without the need for medication
- Pain associated with loss of mobility
- Nighttime pain that interferes with sleep
- If there was previous trauma
- Intense pain
What is Shoulder Tendonitis?
Shoulder tendonitis, also known as shoulder tendinopathy, is a generic term that encompasses different shoulder pathologies but usually refers to the inflammation and degeneration of the tendons that make up the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tendonitis is the most common cause of shoulder pain and is associated with high levels of absenteeism from work and a reduced quality of life.
What causes shoulder tendonitis?
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body and for it to function properly, there must be a delicate balance between movement and stabilizing structures. The rotator cuff plays a central role in the shoulder as it is essential for elevation and rotation movements as it also stabilizes the joint. Therefore, inflammation of these tendons is associated with pain and changes in the biomechanics of the shoulder .
Tendonitis can be caused by several factors. Although trauma is an obvious cause, tendonitis or rotator cuff tendinopathy is most often associated with repetitive movements, overloading and poor posture at work. Therefore, there are professions with a higher risk of developing this condition, such as those linked to construction, mechanics and manufacturing due to their physical demands, and others such as teaching and secretarial and computer work associated with poor posture.
On the other hand, the practice of some sports that involve constant use of the upper limbs, such as tennis, rowing, handball and basketball, also have an increased risk of these pathologies. In addition to these factors, the anatomy and genetics of each individual, a sedentary lifestyle and poor sports practice also seem to play an important role.
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis
Pain and weakness are the most common symptoms, especially when performing anterior shoulder elevation and external rotation movements. However, pain may be present at rest and be even more intense at night, and may even disturb sleep. Symptoms may appear suddenly, but they are more likely to have a gradual and progressive onset.
Shoulder Tendonitis Diagnosis
X-ray
X-rays are an inexpensive and easily accessible test. They are a good initial diagnostic test, especially in cases where there is associated trauma. They can easily be used for differential diagnosis with other pathologies that also cause shoulder pain, such as fractures, shoulder osteoarthritis and tumors.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging is the best test for assessing soft tissue. It allows us to rule out other more serious pathologies such as rotator cuff tears, labrum tears or tumors.
Shoulder Tendonitis Treatment
Conservative
When to perform it? It is always the first initial treatment method because when correctly implemented it can restore shoulder balance.
Treatment options?
- Medication and Rest – The use of anti-inflammatories and analgesics associated with rest can be effective in isolation in the early stages of the disease. They become less effective in isolation as symptoms become more chronic, especially after 3 months.
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation through Exercise – Most scientific studies show that a well-structured rehabilitation exercise program is effective in treating the condition and that it is possible for the patient to return to work and to their previous state. The goal of rehabilitation should be to restore mobility and biomechanical balance of the shoulder.
- Corticosteroid infiltration - Corticosteroid infiltrations are an important analgesic weapon for pain control. They should be used if oral medication is not sufficient to control pain or in acute situations or in cases of significant nocturnal pain. Infiltrations are a safe but invasive procedure, so they should be used judiciously.
- Infiltrations with PRPs (growth factors): PRPs or platelet-rich plasma are growth factors that can help heal the inflammatory process and regenerate the degenerated tendon. This technique involves using the patient's own plasma and platelets, which are previously extracted and then centrifuged to prepare these growth factors for later infiltration into the injured area. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is discharged immediately after the infiltration, if clinically stable.
Surgical
When to perform it? Surgical treatment for rotator cuff tendonitis is always the exception and is only indicated if conservative treatment fails.
Technique – This involves performing a bursectomy with or without acromioplasty. This procedure is performed by arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive technique through small incisions in the skin (<0.5 cm). The objective is to visualize the entire shoulder joint through a scope, diagnosing possible injuries and cleaning all inflamed tissue and the subacromial bursa.
This procedure can be combined with acromioplasty, which consists of regularizing the lower surface of the acromion (approximately 4 mm) in order to decompress the subacromial space and reduce conflict between the head of the humerus and the tendons of the rotator cuff and the acromion when elevating the shoulder.
Postoperative
- Shoulder is not immobilized
- Remove the stitches after 15 days
- You should start a rehabilitation program determined for each patient individually.
How to prevent Shoulder Tendonitis?
Physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle are essential to prevent rotator cuff tendonitis, as they help maintain shoulder balance and stability. This is the only way to achieve lasting results that will provide a stronger, more resilient shoulder that will allow you to perform repetitive activities and correct postural errors. Tobacco has a negative effect on the rotator cuff, contributing to its premature degeneration.
When to seek an Orthopedic Specialist?
- Pain requiring analgesic medication for more than 3 days in a row
- Pain for more than a week, without the need for medication
- Pain associated with loss of mobility
- Nighttime pain that interferes with sleep
- If there was previous trauma
- Intense pain