shoulder tendinopathy in physiotherapy
Shoulder tendinopathy is a common condition that affects many people, particularly athletes and those who engage in repetitive overhead activities. It is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the tendons that attach the muscles of the shoulder to the bone. As a physiotherapist, I often see patients with shoulder tendinopathy seeking relief from their symptoms. In this blog post, I'll discuss what shoulder tendinopathy is, its causes, symptoms, and how physiotherapy can help manage the condition.
What is Shoulder Tendinopathy?
Shoulder tendinopathy is a condition that results from degeneration or damage to the tendons in the shoulder joint. It can occur in any of the tendons that attach the muscles of the shoulder to the bone, but is most commonly seen in the rotator cuff tendons. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help to stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for movement.
Causes of Shoulder Tendinopathy
Shoulder tendinopathy is often caused by repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing a ball, lifting weights, or reaching above the head. Other risk factors include age, poor posture, and previous shoulder injuries. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, may also be at increased risk for developing shoulder tendinopathy.
Symptoms of Shoulder Tendinopathy
The most common symptom of shoulder tendinopathy is pain. The pain is typically felt in the shoulder and may be worse with overhead activities or lifting. The pain may also be present at rest, especially at night, and may interfere with sleep. Other symptoms may include stiffness and weakness in the shoulder, as well as difficulty with certain movements.
Physiotherapy Management of Shoulder Tendinopathy
Physiotherapy can be an effective way to manage shoulder tendinopathy. The goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve shoulder mobility and strength, and prevent the condition from worsening.
Treatment may involve:
Manual Therapy: This involves techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching to help reduce pain and improve shoulder mobility.
Exercise Therapy: Exercise therapy is often prescribed to improve shoulder strength and flexibility. Exercises may include resistance training, stretching, and range of motion exercises.
Modalities: Modalities such as heat or ice therapy, ultrasound, or electrotherapy may be used to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Education: Patients may be provided with education on proper posture and ergonomics, as well as techniques for reducing strain on the shoulder during activities.
Home Exercise Program: A home exercise program may be prescribed to continue the progress made during physiotherapy sessions.
In conclusion, shoulder tendinopathy is a common condition that can be effectively managed with physiotherapy. The focus of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve shoulder mobility and strength, and prevent the condition from worsening. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, seek the advice of a physiotherapist who can help you manage your symptoms and improve your shoulder function.
