Shoulder tendonitis is inflammation to the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. There are four muscles that make up the rotator cuff which are called supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor. Shoulder tendonitis is commonly caused by repeated micro trauma of the rotator cuff tendons.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Shoulder Tendonitis
Physiotherapy can effectively help manage and heal shoulder tendonitis. A Physiotherapist will take a detailed history and complete a comprehensive assessment, to determine the root cause and the severity of your shoulder tendonitis. Based on your assessment, your physiotherapist may refer you to your doctor for diagnostic imaging, to rule out other issues, such as a rotator cuff tear. With the information gathered from the assessment, the physiotherapist will develop an individualized treatment plan to treat your shoulder tendonitis. Based on your assessment and your symptoms, your individualized treatment plan may include:
- Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue release, mobilization or manipulation
- An individualized exercise program including range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening and stretching. As you heal, the physiotherapist will progress your exercises to make them more functional to help you reach your goals.
- Education on activity modification, posture, sleeping positions, and prevention of re-occurrence
- Modalities such as acupuncture, TENS, ultrasound, heat or ice
Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis
Common symptoms of shoulder tendonitis include clicking and pain in the shoulder when you raise your arm around shoulder height, moving your hand behind your back or behind your head. Individuals with rotator tendonitis also commonly experience pain with lifting, lying on their affected shoulder, and in more severe causes at rest.
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