Shoulder tendinopathy is an overuse injury. It occurs in people who participate in repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing sports or occupations such as painting. Sometimes shoulder tendinopathy develops when work is started that involves overhead movement, such as gardening, on a weekend. It’s related to a relatively new activity above the head. The tendon reacts badly if you go from “zero to hero” in your arm elevation.
Around the shoulder there are four tendons that are subject to tendinopathy. Three rotator cuff tendons, supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis. The other tendon that can be affected by tendinopathy is the long head of biceps, a tendon at the front of the arm. Tendinopathy was previously referred to as tendonitis,however this implies inflammation, and many times there is no inflammation with this tendon condition.
A symptom of rotator cuff tendinopathy is elevation of the arm. It could be rotationof the arm. If the long head of biceps is affected, bending the elbow will be painful at the front of the shoulder. As well as shoulder pain, the same movements become weakened.
When severe, tendinopathy can sometimes progress to a partial thickness tear in the tendons.
From recent research, we know that to overcome tendinopathy a load needs to be placed through the tendon. However, this loading must not be painful, otherwise tendinopathy worsens. Because the arm is not elevated due to shoulder pain, sometimes stiffness develops. So, it’s important that the mobility of the shoulder is maintained.
Treatment for tendinopathy needs to be highly specific for the individual. The many shoulder exercises you might find on the internet may not be appropriate. It’s much more effective to have a tailored plan to overcome tendinopathy. At Melbourne Shoulder Therapy, we will develop an inappropriate programme that suits you and ensures your progress is positive.