Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

The shoulder joint consist of three bones the clavicle, scapula and humerus. The clavicle is more commonly known as the collar bone, the humerus as the upper arm and the scapula as the shoulder blade. These bones are held together with tendons ligaments and muscles. The shoulder is a “ball and socket” joint and has the fullest range of motion of any joint. Ten different muscles as well as tendons, cartilage, bursa and ligaments are involved in shoulder movement. These structures work together to make the shoulder the most flexible joint in the body. The price for the shoulders mobility is an increase in risk of injury including rotator cuff tendonitis.

The rotator cuff is the group of muscles, tendons and ligaments responsible for holding the shoulders ball in its socket. These tendons can become inflamed or torn from injury or repetitive movement. The symptoms of inflammation of the tendons or bursa around the shoulder may include pain in the shoulder which may radiate down the arm, swelling and redness, limited range of motion due to pain, and stiffness. The area of pain may be hard to define and depends in part on which muscles or tendons are affected. The average patient with rotator cuff tendonitis is a laborer who is over forty, complaining of pain in his dominant sides shoulder. Of course injury and symptoms can occur at any age with athletes, recreational or otherwise, being at increased risk for injuries such as dislocation and separation.

Diagnosis is based on history, symptoms, and physical exam. An MRI may be ordered for symptoms that are persistent and don’t respond to initial treatment.

Treatment of rotator cuff tendonitis includes anti inflammatory, hot and cold compresses to the shoulder, Injections of steroid into the shoulder joint, and rest balanced by strengthening and stretching exercise for the muscles that make up the shoulder. You may be referred to a physical therapist for instruction in the appropriate exercises or your doctor may provide you with a handout. It’s usually not recommended the shoulder be completely at rest as the shoulder joint easily stiffens with disuse. Surgery may sometimes be needed for tears and dislocations and you will spend time in a special sling or sometimes a splint postoperatively for whatever time your doctor recommends.

The shoulder is a complex joint that has an amazing range of motion. The rotator cuff is an important part of the shoulder joint. Rotator tendonitis is generally able to be treated with the right combination or rest, exercise and medications.

This article is meant to be in formational and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your medical care, consult your doctor.

Sources:
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoulder>
http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shoulder
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/