FREE Physical Therapy - Vol. 5- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis, November 2006
What is Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?
It is an inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons. There are four muscles that make up the rotator cuff: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Subscapularis, and Teres Minor.
What does the Rotator Cuff do?
The rotator cuff helps to provide stability to the joint, reduce strain on ligaments and other surrounding muscles, help with rotation and movement of the shoulder, and to provide strength to the shoulder.
How is this caused?
Multiple factors play a role in causing pain and symptoms.
- Occupation
- Overuse in sports
- Poor training techniques
- Unstable shoulder
- Impingement in shoulder
- Direct trauma; falling directly onto your arm
- Weakness in the rotator cuff itself
Repetitive overhead activities are one other major cause of symptoms of pain or discomfort. They may eventually cause damage to the tendons. Overtime, tendons may wear thin and a tear can develop. Repetitive activities may include: washing your car, throwing a ball, and reaching.
Symptoms
You may feel an "ache," in the front of your shoulder. You may also feel sharp pains in the front of your shoulder with performing overhead activities. Pain may also be felt with reaching behind your back, putting on a belt, lifting objects from a shelf, and fastening underclothes.
Treatment Options
Initially, you may want to rest the shoulder from any painful activities and use an ice pack for 10-15 minutes at a time. You may also want to try an over the counter anti-inflammatory.
If the pain continues, you may consult your doctor about different treatment options.
One option may be Physical Therapy.
In physical therapy, we would help to decrease pain and inflammation, while restoring movement and strength. On your initial visit, we will examine posture, muscle imbalances, along with strength and range of motion of the entire shoulder. A home exercise program will be initiated, along with some treatment. We will work together with you, the patient, towards your goal: pain relief, strengthening, and returning to all activities.
