What is Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy?
WHAT IS ROTATOR CUFF TENDINITIS?
Your rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles that act to stabilize the shoulder joint. The 4 rotator cuff muscles are:
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres Minor
- Subscapularis
With rotator cuff tendinitis, one (or multiple) of the rotator cuff tendons gets inflamed. Repetitive strain, overhead movements, and increased stress on the tendon leads to pain.
While any of the previously mentioned muscles can develop tendinopathy, the supraspinatus muscle is the most commonly affected.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ROTATOR CUFF TENDINOPATHY?
The most common symptom is a dull pain at the tendon attachment site on the front of the shoulder.
Overhead reaching, reaching behind your back, and sleeping on the affected side can aggravate the shoulder and cause pain.
HOW TO TREAT ROTATOR CUFF TENDINITIS
Your physiotherapist can guide you through rehabilitation of your rotator cuff tendinitis.
They will first assess to rule out the neck and upper back as the source of pain. They will help you identify the root of the problem – whether it is your posture, activities of your job and daily living, weakness, inflexibility, or a combination of several factors – in order to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
In some cases, certain modalities like Shockwave can aid in the healing process if more conservative treatments aren’t working.
Interested in learning more?
Read on in our series of articles on Muskuloskeletal Conditions!
About the Author - Sonia Gashgarian
Sonia Gashgarian is a registered physiotherapist who graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto. Prior to this she completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Honours from the University of Waterloo. Sonia has completed courses in sports taping and basic kinesio-taping, as well as the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and Mulligan Concept. She also has her APTEI Acupuncture and Dry Needling Certification.
Sonia uses a variety of treatment techniques to help clients feel better and return to their regular activities as soon as possible. Her individualized treatments may include the following: education, joint mobilizations, exercise prescription, soft tissue release, trigger point release, taping, acupuncture and dry needling, cupping, and Gua Sha.
To book in please call us at (519) 442-2206 or click here.