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Bioevolve, Dr Mary Ambach, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthobiologics, Encinitas, San Diego, Carlsbad, CA // Conditions Treated // Shoulder // Conditions // Shoulder Tendonitis

What is Shoulder Tendinitis?

Shoulder tendinitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons which connect the muscles to the shoulder bones. Tendinitis of the rotator cuff tendons is known as rotator cuff tendonitis. If the biceps tendon is affected, the condition is known as bicipital tendinitis.

Picture of Shoulder Tendonitis

Causes of Shoulder Tendonitis

Causes include:

  • Repetitive overhead movements
  • Sports injury
  • Trauma
  • Heavy lifting activity

Symptoms of Shoulder Tendinitis

Symptoms include:

  • Pain
  • Tenderness
  • Difficulty to move the arm
  • Swelling
  • Clicking sound while raising arms
  • Reduced strength of shoulder muscles

Diagnosis of Shoulder Tendinitis

Your doctor will carry out a physical examination and often the following tests:

  • X-ray: This study uses high electromagnetic energy beams that produce images of the bones.
  • MRI Scan: This study produces images that help in detecting damage to soft tissues using large magnetic fields and radio waves.
  • Ultrasonography: This study uses  sound waves to produce images of the internal parts of the shoulder.

Treatment for Shoulder Tendinitis

Treatment is mainly focused on reducing pain and increasing mobility. The treatment methods include:

Conservative methods

  • Medications: Your doctor will provide you with anti-inflammatory pain medications like aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce shoulder pain.
  • Rest: You will be instructed to take proper rest to reduce the stress on your shoulder.
  • Ice: You need to apply ice for 15-20 mins every day to reduce the pain and inflammation.
  • Heat: A heating pad should be used to reduce stiffness once your pain subsides.
  • Physical therapy: Your doctor will instruct you to carry out physical exercises to increase muscle strength.
  • Shockwave therapy: This is a quick in office procedure that delivers therapeutic ultrasound energy to help heal damaged tendon tissue and scars.
  • Regenerative Therapies: Platelet rich plasma or stem cell therapies derived from your own fat or bone marrow tissue can help heal damage tendons.

Surgery: Surgery is done when the rotator cuff or biceps tendons are severely damaged or torn and conservative measures have failed. During the surgery, the damaged tendon is repaired and reattached to the bone.