How is shoulder tendonitis treated?

Shoulder tendonitis is caused by a repitive motion caused by occupational or recreational activities (excessive overhead movements or resisitance overhead training). During shoulder tendonitis, the tendons become inflammed and cause pain during basic movements of your shoulder joint. The most immediate treatment of shoulder tendonitis is comprised of cold packs, ROM exercises such as shoulder Pendulums, hand grip strengthening, & stretching (such as the posterior cuff, which is usually tight during superspinatus tendonitis). For long term prevention of shoulder tendonitis, try strengthen the mucles around the shoulder blade (i.e. Rhomboids and Lower Trapeizum muscles).

True tendinitis of the shoulder is actually quite rare.  The most common cause of pain is tendinosis of the rotator cuff.  Most MRIs, when obtained on patients suffering from shoulder pain do not actually show inflammation within the rotator cuff.  They show inflammation within the tissues in the shoulder such as the bursa, and not within the rotator cuff muscles or tendons themselves.

 

As others have previously noted, the treatment is geared towards preservation or return of lost range of motion.  This may include the use of anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and occasionally steroid injections --- if your pain is very severe.

The vast majority of patients will respond to these modalities and not require surgery.

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon that holds muscle to bones. Often times it is a result of overuse and can be acute (doing too much too fast) or chronic (occurring over a longer period of time). In the initial phases of tendonitis you may be able to use the R.I.C.E. principle. Using rest, ice, compression and elevation you will be able to control the current symptoms of the inflammation. However, it is also a good idea to have someone assess the shoulder to determine the cause of the inflammation. If there happens to be a muscle imbalance causing certain structures to work harder or more than they are intended to, then just treating the symptoms may not be enough. Exercises, stretching and manual therapy techniques can help to restore normal balance and prevent a recurrence.