How
It Happens
| A
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis is the inflammation of one or
more
of
the rotator cuff tendons. The rotator cuff tendons
attach to the front and outside part of the shoulder
joint.
|
|
The term "rotator cuff" describes a group
of 4 muscles:
|
| Supraspinatus |
Subscapularis |
| Infraspinatus |
Teres
Minor |
|
 |
|
The rotator cuff originates from the shoulder blade
and attaches to the shoulder itself, forming a cuff
surrounding the ball and socket joint of the shoulder.
The tendons (the part of the muscle that attaches to the
bone) are the "weak link" in this unit and can
therefore get irritated or inflamed.
The rotator cuff is a very important component of the shoulder
joint:
- Provides
movement such as rotation and elevation of the
arm;
- Helps
stabilize the joint;
- Adjust
the joint position during repetitive and
overhead activities;
- Reduces
the strain on the ligaments
and other muscles in the area.
|
| Pain:
There is pain or tenderness around the shoulder joint,
most predominantly in the front. Pain often radiates
into the upper arm and, in severe cases, into the
forearm to the wrist. Sharp pain is usually felt with
overhead activities such as throwing. As the condition
gets more severe, pain can be felt with daily activities
such as lifting, carrying objects, putting coat or shirt
on, reaching into the back seat of the car, washing
hair, reaching and lifting from a shelf.
Inflammation:
Inflammation
will be present although it may not be visible. It is
the result of the irritation of the tendon and the tearing
of some tendon fibers.
X-Rays:
Usually the x-rays will be negative. Calcium deposit in
advanced chronic stage can be seen occasionally.
Arthritic (wear and tear) degenerative changes of the
shoulder joint or joint just above (the "AC"
joint), which may predispose the rotator cuff to getting
injured can sometimes be observed. |
|
- Occupational overuse.
-
Overuse in
a sport related activity.
-
Existing
weakness of the rotator cuff muscles.
- Imbalance
of strength between the rotator cuff muscles or the rotator cuff group as a whole in relation to the other larger chest and shoulder muscles (pectorals and deltoid) in the area.
- Improper
technique in activity (sport or
occupational).
- Poor
posture, especially forward head posture and forward
shoulders,
can cause or perpetuate pain and tendon irritation.
- Cervical
spine nerve pinching.
|
- Improper
training schedule, (too much too soon).
- Direct
trauma, such as a fall directly onto the shoulder or
onto outstretched arm.
- A
loose or unstable shoulder joint following a previous
subluxation, dislocation.
- Impingement
(pinching) of one of the rotator cuff tendons leading to
excess scar tissue formation from recurrent irritation.
- Weak
shoulder blade area muscles leading to improper
stabilization of the shoulder joint.
|
|
1.
Rest
from painful activities.
2.
Icing
will help decrease
the inflammation and the pain.
3.
Analyze and
correct your technique in sporting or occupational
activities.
4.
Make sure
you stretch
properly before and
after each activity. |
| How
Can Physiotherapy Help Me? |
| A
physiotherapist will assess your condition and determine the origin of
your pain. Your treatment plan will address both the local symptoms
such as pain and inflammation as well as the cause of your pain (see
causes above).
If you have developed this problem through a specific activity,
your physiotherapist can review your technique and make
recommendations to avoid injury.
You will also be given an exercise program that will include proper
stretching and strengthening exercises, to maintain the flexibility
and strength of the shoulder muscles. With the help of
modalities,
physiotherapy will
reduce your symptoms
and promote healing. |
|
