Shoulder Tendonitis

What is Shoulder Tendonitis?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint of the body. The head of the humerus (arm bone) and glenoid cavity of the scapula (shoulder blade) form the ball and socket joint. The joint is held in place by the rotator cuff tendons and the soft tissue glenoid labrum. Shoulder tendonitis is the inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons. The tendons stabilize the shoulder and help it move. They become irritated and inflamed when overused.

Common Causes:

• • Throwing sports
  • Swimming
  • Weightlifting
  • Overhead lifting (manual labor)

Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis include:

• • Shoulder pain at rest
  • Shoulder pain triggered by movement
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased range of motion

When you arrive for your initial consultation, one of our team of shoulder specialists will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

• • A medical, injury, and symptom history review
  • A physical examination
  • Multiple view x-rays or MRI

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.

Common Treatments:

A combination of treatment options is usually prescribed to maximize symptom relief and improve shoulder function.

Non-surgical treatment options treat mild to moderate shoulder arthritis. Any combination of the following may be included in an OPA specialist’s customized treatment plan:

After symptoms subside, physical therapy may be used to improve your shoulder strength and flexibility to prevent future injuries, Surgery is rarely used to treat shoulder tendonitis.