Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a condition that causes pain and weakness in the shoulder
Rotator cuff tendinopathies may also be called impingement or bursitis even though these are seperate conditions. The bursa is a soft sack that contains a small amount of fluid and cushions the joint and this can become irritated alongside a tendinopathy.
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Symptoms
Pain and swelling in the shoulder, weakness in the arm, and limited range of motion.Pain may be severe at night, making it difficult to sleep.
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Causes
Usually caused by repetitive overhead activities, such as lifting, pushing, or reaching. It can also occur after an injury.
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Treatment
Treatments include:
- Resting and avoiding activities that aggravate the shoulder
- Applying ice to reduce swelling and pain
- Taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
- Physical therapy to regain strength and motion in the shoulder
- A corticosteroid injection from a doctor
- Resting and avoiding activities that aggravate the shoulder
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Recovery time
A specific injury usually heals in 4–8 weeks, but chronic injuries or more severe injuries can take months.
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Prevention
To prevent rotator cuff tendinopathy, you can try:
- Maintaining good posture while sitting
- Avoiding repetitive overhead arm movements
- Taking breaks from repetitive activities
- Avoiding sleeping on the same side every night
- Carrying things close to your body
- Stretching your shoulders throughout the day
- Maintaining good posture while sitting
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Physical Therapy Management
Physical therapy of rotator cuff problems aims to reduce pain and swelling of the tendons, to achieve normal range of motion and eventually strengthen the shoulder. Initially rest and ice are used to decrease pain. It’s very important that patients initially avoid activities that increase pain and symptoms. The physiotherapist should guide the patient on when to resume these activities again.
The physiotherapist can use techniques like massage to prepare the muscles for range of motion and strength exercises. It’s important for the patient to do the exercises in the correct order; first stretching and range of motion exercises and then muscle strengthening exercises. With a decrease in shoulder internal rotation, the posterior capsule should be tested and stretched if tight.
Rotator cuff treatment
The minimum time for recovery from rotator cuff tendinopathy or a small tear is generally two to four weeks, and stubborn cases can take several months. Early on, the aim is to reduce swelling and irritation of the tendons and relieve compression in the subacromial space. Later, exercises can be started to strengthen the muscles and improve range of motion.
If you have a lot of rotator cuff pain, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, may be helpful. Your clinician may also suggest a corticosteroid injection, but there’s no clear evidence that this offers any advantage in the long term over physical therapy and NSAID use.
While you’re in pain from a rotator cuff tendinopathy, avoid lifting or reaching out, up, or overhead as much as possible. On the other hand, you don’t want to stop moving your shoulder altogether, because that can lead to “frozen shoulder,” a condition in which the tissues around the shoulder shrink and reduce its range of motion.
Contact us or book online today to get your shoulder pain back under control!
J. Press
Physiotherapist