What is it?
The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint. However, unlike the hip joint the shoulder joint compromises stability for mobility. The shoulder joint is support by the glenohumeral ligament. The shoulder joint is also supported by the rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor), even though the rotator cuff muscles individually have their own separate actions they contract together to bring the head of the humerous (ball) firmer into the socket of the scapula therefore providing more stability. Rotator cuff tendonitis is inflammation of the rotator cuff musculature leading to impingement during movement this is due to the close proximity of the muscles to the joint and the limited area located within the shoulder for movement.
What is the cause of it?
The main cause of rotator cuff tendonitis is overuse and repetitive movements above head height. This disorder can also be caused as a form of compensation from another part of the body not functioning properly such as the mid back. Over straining or instability within the shoulder can also aggravate this injury as the rotator cuff musculature would have to provide additional support over a longer period of time. Periods of inactivity can also cause this injury as some of the larger muscles undergo atrophy (waste away) therefore there is a greater demand on the smaller rotator cuff musculature.
How does it feel?
Initially the pain would be present predominately with actives that require the arm to be above head height e.g. brushing hair and scratching your back, however this is not always true other movements may also cause pain. Pain at night may also be present especially if laying on affected shoulder. The pain will presents as a dull ache but as the condition progresses the pain will intensify and sharpen which will reduce the range of movement in all directions and the onset of pain will be sooner.
What should you do?
The RICE regime should be used to reduce the pain from the condition. Rest requires you to stop your activity or sport, also limiting the amount of weight carried on affected shoulder. Ice should be applied at the site of injury for 15–20 minutes every few hours this will help reduce some inflammation. You should try to keep your shoulder in a comfortable neutral position. You should continue the RICE regime until you consult your osteopath.
Once the acute phase has subsided you my use alternating hot and cold packs to help further relieve some of the symptoms.
What shouldn't you do?
You should avoid carrying heavy objects for long periods of time. You should also avoid repetitive and overhead movements. You should also avoid sleeping on affected shoulder. You should not put any hot packs of the affected as this will cause more pain during the acute phase. You should avoid any activity which may aggravate the pain if possible.
Could there be any long term effects?
If left unresolved the pain will progress by intensifying and sharpening in nature. As the pain increases the range of movement will also decrease due to the sooner onset of pain. The longer the condition remains untreated the greater the probability that the number of treatments required to resolve the issue will increase. This condition could lead to tearing of the muscles within the shoulder complex. Complications from the tendonitis can cause inflammation of surrounding structures causing other problems such as bursitis.
The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint. However, unlike the hip joint the shoulder joint compromises stability for mobility. The shoulder joint is support by the glenohumeral ligament. The shoulder joint is also supported by the rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor), even though the rotator cuff muscles individually have their own separate actions they contract together to bring the head of the humerous (ball) firmer into the socket of the scapula therefore providing more stability. Rotator cuff tendonitis is inflammation of the rotator cuff musculature leading to impingement during movement this is due to the close proximity of the muscles to the joint and the limited area located within the shoulder for movement.
What is the cause of it?
The main cause of rotator cuff tendonitis is overuse and repetitive movements above head height. This disorder can also be caused as a form of compensation from another part of the body not functioning properly such as the mid back. Over straining or instability within the shoulder can also aggravate this injury as the rotator cuff musculature would have to provide additional support over a longer period of time. Periods of inactivity can also cause this injury as some of the larger muscles undergo atrophy (waste away) therefore there is a greater demand on the smaller rotator cuff musculature.
How does it feel?
Initially the pain would be present predominately with actives that require the arm to be above head height e.g. brushing hair and scratching your back, however this is not always true other movements may also cause pain. Pain at night may also be present especially if laying on affected shoulder. The pain will presents as a dull ache but as the condition progresses the pain will intensify and sharpen which will reduce the range of movement in all directions and the onset of pain will be sooner.
What should you do?
The RICE regime should be used to reduce the pain from the condition. Rest requires you to stop your activity or sport, also limiting the amount of weight carried on affected shoulder. Ice should be applied at the site of injury for 15–20 minutes every few hours this will help reduce some inflammation. You should try to keep your shoulder in a comfortable neutral position. You should continue the RICE regime until you consult your osteopath.
Once the acute phase has subsided you my use alternating hot and cold packs to help further relieve some of the symptoms.
What shouldn't you do?
You should avoid carrying heavy objects for long periods of time. You should also avoid repetitive and overhead movements. You should also avoid sleeping on affected shoulder. You should not put any hot packs of the affected as this will cause more pain during the acute phase. You should avoid any activity which may aggravate the pain if possible.
Could there be any long term effects?
If left unresolved the pain will progress by intensifying and sharpening in nature. As the pain increases the range of movement will also decrease due to the sooner onset of pain. The longer the condition remains untreated the greater the probability that the number of treatments required to resolve the issue will increase. This condition could lead to tearing of the muscles within the shoulder complex. Complications from the tendonitis can cause inflammation of surrounding structures causing other problems such as bursitis.