Shoulder Tendonitis / Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Inflammation of the shoulder tendons, which include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis (together these 4 form the rotator cuff) and the biceps tendons.

Risk Factors
  • 30 years old or older
  • frequent use of arms overhead (i.e. throwing motions, working with iverhead machinery, etc.)
  • bad posture
  • genetic predisposition
  • suffering from certain systemic illnesses (i.e. arthritis, thyroid disease, etc.)

  • Symptoms
  • dull ache in shoulder
  • pain at night, especially when laying on injured side
  • pain with movements such as reaching behind to a back pocket
  • pain with overhead activity
  • shoulder weakness due to pain, increasing pain with increased effort
  • shoulder stiffness with loss of some range

  • Treatments
  • rest
  • ice (used within the first 24 to 72 hours)
  • heat (used in the subacute to chronic stages or before exercise)
  • conservative sports chiropractic
  • soft tissue therapies / massage
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • physical therapy
  • cortisone injections
  • surgery

  • Prevention
  • perform regular exercises to improve strength and flexibility of the shoulder
  • decrease overhead activity
  • change/modify job position
  • do not work/play through the pain
  • perform activity with appropriate posture/technique
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