If you’re experiencing shoulder pain without having directly injured it, you may be suffering from shoulder tendonitis. This condition, which is caused by irritation or inflammation, can be absolutely debilitating. Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine has helped countless patients address shoulder tendonitis through various non-surgical treatment options.
Whether you know you’ve suffered an injury or you can’t identify the cause of your shoulder pain, contact one of our conveniently located offices so we can diagnose the issue and suggest a treatment plan. Our goal is always to relieve your pain and restore you to full functionality as quickly as possible.
What Is Shoulder Tendonitis?
Shoulder tendonitis refers to inflammation, irritation, or micro-injury of one or more tendons in the shoulder. Tendons are cords of soft tissue that connect muscles to bones. In the shoulder region, several tendons commonly experience irritation or inflammation, particularly those composing the rotator cuff.
When one of these critical tendons becomes overused, compressed, damaged, or weakens with age, it can lead to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the joint. Shoulder tendonitis can progress from mild irritation to partial tears or worse if left untreated.
Types and Causes of Shoulder Tendonitis
Shoulder tendonitis typically falls into one of two categories: acute or chronic. Here’s a breakdown:
- Acute Tendonitis: Occurs after a sudden overuse injury. For example, lifting something overhead awkwardly may lead to sharp pain and quick inflammation.
- Chronic Tendonitis: Results from long-term repetitive stress or degeneration. Micro-injuries accumulate, and inflammation flares periodically as the tendon weakens.
Key underlying causes of shoulder tendonitis include:
- Impingement/compression of the tendon
- Degenerative changes with age
- Overuse and repetitive motion
- Sudden force or load beyond the tendon’s capacity
- Poor biomechanics or muscle imbalance
Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis
Symptoms of shoulder tendonitis may develop gradually or appear after a specific incident. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain when lifting your arm, reaching overhead, or reaching behind you
- Aching that extends from the shoulder toward the upper arm or elbow
- General tenderness or soreness of the shoulder
- Pain when lying on the affected shoulder
- Shoulder clicking, popping, or catching sensations
- Reduced strength or difficulty holding the arm up
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
Risk Factors for Shoulder Tendonitis
The most common cause of shoulder tendonitis is overuse or repetitive motion, which means any job, hobby, or activity that repeatedly stresses the shoulder may one day result in irritated or inflamed tendons. Some common risk factors for shoulder tendonitis include:
Age
As we get older, tendons naturally lose elasticity, and muscles lose strength and flexibility. Age makes anyone who is repeatedly straining their shoulders, whether at work or during recreational activities, more susceptible to tendonitis.
Repetitive or Awkward Motions
Frequent or forceful shoulder movements, especially overhead or behind the back, place extra stress on tendons. Awkward motions can also put undue strain on the shoulder and cause acute tendonitis.
Sports
Any sport involving raised arms, which is most of them, can increase the risk of shoulder tendonitis. Some common examples include:
- Basketball
- Golf
- Running
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Weightlifting
Physically Demanding Occupations
Jobs that involve excessive vibration, repetitive motion, awkward positions, overexertion, or constant overhead reaching can increase risk. Some common examples include:
- Construction
- Painting
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- Warehouse work
- Shelving merchandise
Chores and Daily Activities
Many household tasks require repetitive arm movements, which can potentially contribute to shoulder tendon stress. Common examples include:
- Gardening
- Shoveling
- Vacuuming
- Scrubbing
- Cleaning windows
- Raking
Understanding these risk factors helps in both prevention and early intervention. Patients can identify some potential sources of their shoulder tendonitis, modify their activities, and reduce the repetitive strain placed on their shoulder tendons.
Shoulder Tendonitis Diagnosis
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, diagnosing shoulder tendonitis involves a comprehensive approach. Our team combines clinical assessment with advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to pinpoint the problem. When we diagnose your shoulder pain, you can expect the following:
Medical History & Physical Examination
We’ll review your symptoms, aggravating and relieving factors, prior shoulder injuries, and activity history. After that, we’ll perform a thorough physical examination before administering any necessary imaging tests. The exam will include:
- Range of motion tests
- Inspection for swelling and asymmetry
- Strength testing of shoulder muscles
- Special tests for impingement or injury
- Comparing findings to the unaffected shoulder
Imaging and Diagnostic Tests
To get a better understanding of your condition, we may perform one or more of the following imaging and diagnostic tests:
- X-rays
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- CT scans
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Electromyography (EMG)
Treatments at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine
We offer a range of treatment options for shoulder tendonitis, none of which involve surgical procedures. Because we believe in holistic treatment for all our patients, we will discuss various therapy options with you to determine which treatment or combination of treatments best suits you.
Our first recommendations will likely be rest, over-the-counter oral NSAIDs or anti-inflammatory creams, and/or ice and compression. If pain persists, treatment options include:
- Physical Therapy: We tailor your physical therapy to your needs, typically focusing on strengthening the rotator cuff, correcting posture, improving flexibility, and retraining motor skills.
- Acupuncture: We offer in-house acupuncture to reduce pain, relax muscles, and improve local circulation.
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy: This treatment promotes tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and enhances microvascular blood flow to the affected area.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): By utilizing your blood’s natural growth factors, we can help your tendon heal faster and stronger.
- Ultrasound-guided Injections: Corticosteroid or analgesic injections directly into the source of the pain can reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Contact Our Highly Skilled Physiatrists Today
Untreated shoulder tendonitis can progress into significant damage that requires more invasive treatment methods. Let the experienced physiatrists at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine assess your shoulder pain and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today.