Shoulder tendinitis refers to the inflammation of the tendons in the rotator cuff, a part of the shoulder responsible for providing it with stability as well as allowing for the safe rotation of the arm.
Common symptoms of shoulder tendinitis include pain that can radiate from the outer arm to below the top of the shoulder, limited range of motion, weakness, swelling, and tenderness. When you experience these, you should consult an orthopedic doctor right away. Without proper treatment, you run the risk of developing potentially serious complications, such as a tendon rupture.
Below, you’ll learn about the treatment modalities orthopedic doctors mainly employ to treat shoulder tendinitis and facilitate a quick recovery.
Medications
Your doctor may first prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to manage the pain and swelling.
However, if oral medication is not effective, your doctor may administer cortisone shots into the area. Cortisone, which is a potent anti-inflammatory, has been shown to provide remarkable short-term symptom relief for shoulder tendinitis and many other shoulder problems.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has also been proven to effectively treat shoulder tendinitis.
Your physical therapist will work with your orthopedic doctor to devise a suitable treatment plan, which will include a combination of exercises (stretching and strengthening) and therapeutic modalities, aimed at addressing your symptoms and helping you bounce back from your injury.
When Would Shoulder Surgery Be Necessary?
While surgery is often recommended as a last-resort treatment— only when symptoms persist or worsen after a lengthy course of nonoperative intervention— it may also be used as a first-line treatment for cases in which the rotator cuff is partially or completely torn.
Your orthopedic doctor may recommend any of the following surgical interventions after a careful evaluation of your condition:
- Arthroscopic surgery– This is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves your orthopedic doctor using a thin, flexible lighted instrument to visualize the inside of your shoulder and carry out the repair.
- Open surgery –Your orthopedic doctor may recommend this technique if you have torn more than one tendon, or if you have a large tear (more than 3 cm).
Regardless of which of these techniques is appropriate for you, your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to help you quickly regain your normal function.
Shoulder Tendinitis Treatment in Miami Lakes and Plantation, FL
For first-rate upper-extremity care in Miami Lakes or Plantation in Florida, visit us here at The Orthopedic Hand and Arm Center.
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Tosca Kinchelow, prides herself on her extensive experience and commitment to providing the best possible patient outcomes for even the most complex of upper-extremity issues. You can count on her to get you moving freely again!
Arrange your consultation today. You may either contact our staff at (954) 635-5300 or schedule an appointment online.
