About Shoulder Tendonitis

What Anatomical Structures are affected?

The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their attaching tendons. A tendon is a band of fibrous tissue which connects muscle to bone. The shoulder tendons of the rotator cuff, along with the biceps tendon help to keep the shoulder joint in place.

What is it?

Shoulder tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder region and may lead to weakening and tearing of these tendons. This can result in pain, tenderness, and weakness in the shoulder.

What causes it?

-repetitive movements
-sports injury
-trauma
-repetitive overhead activity (i.e. from work activities or sports such as tennis, baseball, swimming)

What are the Risk Factors?

-Age (40+)
-Involvement in repetitive overhead work or sports
-Trauma to the shoulder (i.e. fall on an outstretched hand)
-Diseases which may weaken shoulder muscles – gout, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis

What treatment is recommended?

Treatment may include the following
-Rest
-Ice
-Physiotherapy which may include the use of modalities, range of motion exercises, theraband strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, postural education, manual therapy, activity modification
-Medications – anti-inflammatory medications