Physiotherapy for Shoulder Tendonitis: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Shoulder Tendonitis and Its Treatment Through Physiotherapy
What is Shoulder Tendonitis?
Shoulder tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of the tendons in your shoulder that occurs as a result of overuse or degeneration due to age. It can cause pain in your shoulder joint which can limit movement and make everyday tasks difficult. The condition may also lead to further problems, such as bursa inflammation (bursitis) if left untreated. Fortunately, physiotherapists are skilled professionals who can diagnose and treat this condition with great success.
Causes & Risk Factors for Shoulder Tendonitis
The most common cause of shoulder tendonitis is repetitive movements that put a strain on the tendons. Activities such as throwing a baseball frequently, weight lifting/bodybuilding without proper warm-up exercises before each session, or doing manual labor jobs like carpentry can all lead to shoulder tendonitis. Other risk factors include age and history of shoulder injuries.
Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis
The most common symptom is pain in the affected area with movements, such as when you lift your arm up or out to the side. You may also experience swelling, tenderness, and stiffness in the joint, which can make everyday tasks difficult. Some people with this condition experience a “catching” sensation when moving their arms or shoulders due to inflammation around tendons rubbing against each other as they move.
Diagnosing Shoulder Tendonitis
Your physiotherapist will conduct a physical exam where they will assess a range of motion, strength, and stability tests on your shoulder. They may also order imaging tests like x-rays or MRI scans if needed for further evaluation of structures within the joint that could be contributing to symptoms (i.e., tears). If there are signs that suggest another cause for your symptoms, then you may be referred for further testing by a specialist such as an orthopedic surgeon/sports medicine doctor.
Treatment Options: Physiotherapy For Shoulder Tendonitis
Physiotherapy is one treatment option available for those suffering from shoulder tendonitis [5]. A physiotherapist can assess your condition and create an individualized treatment plan to help manage pain, improve range of motion and reduce the risk of further injury. Common treatments include manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue massage therapy or joint mobilization, therapeutic exercises to increase strength/stability in the area (i.e., rotator cuff strengthening), postural correction education, and other modalities like acupuncture or laser therapy physiotherapy in Toronto ON.
Managing Shoulder Tendonitis At Home
In addition to seeing a physiotherapist for treatment, it is important that you also take steps at home to manage your condition [6]. This includes getting adequate rest between activities, applying ice packs (wrapped in cloth) for 15-20 minutes every few hours when needed for pain relief along with taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication if necessary. You should also avoid activities that cause symptoms until you are able to see a physiotherapist who can determine what is safe activity-wise based on their physical assessment findings.
Final Thoughts
Shoulder tendonitis is a common injury caused by repetitive movements which put a strain on tendons within the shoulder joint leading to inflammation/irritation. Fortunately, this condition can be successfully treated through physiotherapy, where an individualized treatment plan will be created according to the specific needs of each patient depending on the severity of symptoms present. It’s important, though, not only to seek professional help but incorporate lifestyle modifications into one’s daily routine, like getting enough rest between activities while avoiding those which worsen symptoms until a proper assessment has been done by a qualified healthcare provider such as a physiotherapist so they know what types movement patterns are safe and helpful towards recovery process instead.
