Shoulder pain is a common complaint we see in the clinic one of the causes of shoulder pain is shoulder tendonitis also known as rotator cuff tendinosis.
What is Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/Shoulder Tendonitis?
Rotator cuff tendinosis is the development of small tears in the tissue surrounding the tendon. It occurs over time due to genetics, activity or age. There is no inflammation associated with this condition so you are unlikely to see any swelling or hot spots.
What are the symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendinosis?
This condition develops over time even if it is as a result of an injury. Symptoms can include:-
- Stiffness and restricted movement of the shoulder
- Severe shoulder pain when lying on the affected shoulder
- Some weakness of the shoulder joint
- Difficulty with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, lifting the arm above the head and brushing your hair.
- Who suffers from Rotator Cuff Tendinosis?
- Almost anyone can suffer from this condition from experienced active athletes to someone who is inactive.
What causes Rotator Cuff Tendinosis?
There are a number of different causes of this condition which includes:
- Repetitive activity such as tennis, golf, painting/decorating above the head or any activity that has a repeating action of the arm.
- Poor posture/slouching narrowing the space tendons have to move in the shoulder
- Aging – tendons are more brittle as we get older so are more likely to incur an injury
- An injury
- Other conditions such as arthritis
There are a number of treatment options from manipulation to injections and even surgery. One of the newest treatments available is shockwave therapy.
What treatments are available for a shoulder tendonitis?
There are a number of treatment options from manipulation to injections and even surgery. One of the newest treatments available is shockwave therapy.
It is clinically proven that pressure waves, when applied to injured tissues, stimulate metabolic reactions, in less technical terms it encourages the body to heal itself. These reactions include:-
- Reduction of pain felt by nerve fibers
- Increased blood circulation in surrounding soft tissues
- Beginning of healing process triggered by stem cells activation