Shoulder tendinitis is a painful injury that can develop from repetitive motions or a direct blow to the shoulder. Tendinitis refers to when tendons, which are the tissues that provide stability to the shoulder joint, get inflamed. The injury is very common in athletes, however, anyone can develop it through repetitive motions.
A sports medicine doctor can effectively treat shoulder tendinitis and help you achieve relief from symptoms through a comprehensive treatment plan. Below, we provided more information on this condition and effective treatments for it.
What Does Shoulder Tendonitis Feel Like?
Shoulder tendonitis can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder. If you have this injury, you may have difficulty moving your arm in its full range of motion.
Who Gets Shoulder Tendinitis?
Shoulder tendonitis can affect individuals of any age, but it is more commonly seen in individuals who engage in repetitive overhead activities or those who perform tasks that require frequent shoulder movements. This includes athletes involved in sports like swimming, tennis, baseball, and weightlifting. Occupations that involve repetitive arm and shoulder movements, such as painters, carpenters, and assembly line workers, may also be at higher risk.
Aging can also be a factor, as the tendons may become weaker and less flexible over time, making them more susceptible to injury. Individuals with poor posture, muscle imbalances, or previous shoulder injuries may have an increased likelihood of developing shoulder tendonitis.
Shoulder Tendinitis Treatments
Your shoulder tendinitis treatment plan may include some of the following:
1. Rest and Activity Modification
Resting the affected shoulder is crucial to allow the inflamed tendons to heal. Modify your daily activities to minimize repetitive overhead motions. Consider temporary adjustments to your work or exercise routine to reduce stress on the shoulder.
2. Cold and Heat Therapy
Apply ice packs to the affected shoulder for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce pain and inflammation. Cold therapy can be especially helpful during the acute phase of tendinitis. After a few days, switch to heat therapy using warm compresses or a heating pad to promote blood flow and relax the muscles.
3. Physical Therapy
Engaging in targeted physical therapy exercises is a cornerstone of shoulder tendinitis treatment. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint and improve flexibility. These exercises focus on stretching and gradually strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder girdle muscles to support and stabilize the joint.
4. Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are usually recommended by doctors to manage shoulder tendinitis pain and inflammation. However, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also work, but it does not treat inflammation.
5. Corticosteroid Injections
In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to alleviate severe pain and inflammation. These injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the shoulder, providing longer-lasting relief from symptoms. As effective as they may be, these injections are not recommended for the long-term treatment of tendinitis.
6. Assistive Devices
Using assistive devices like slings or braces can provide support and relieve strain on the affected shoulder. These devices help restrict motion during the healing process and prevent further aggravation of the tendons. Your orthopedic doctor or physical therapist can prescribe the appropriate assistive device for you.
7. Lifestyle Modifications
Making certain lifestyle modifications can aid in the recovery and prevention of shoulder tendinitis. Maintaining good posture, avoiding prolonged overhead activities, maintaining a healthy weight, and incorporating regular shoulder-strengthening exercises into your routine can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
8. Surgical Intervention
Surgery may be beneficial if you have persistent pain and are unable to regain the full function of your shoulder due to the rotator cuff tendons being torn. An orthopedic surgeon can perform arthroscopic surgery to repair damaged tendons or remove damaged tissue that is causing chronic inflammation and preventing your recovery. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows patients to recover at a much faster rate, although you still need a lot of rest afterward and must actively participate in your physical therapy and rehab program.
Shoulder Tendinitis Treatment in Dover, NJ
The orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey can provide expert treatment for your shoulder injury. We will create an individualized treatment plan based on the results of our assessment. Our goal is to ensure you experience timely relief from your symptoms and restore the normal use of your shoulder.
To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (954) 635-5300 or use our online request form. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality orthopedic care in West Jersey.
