Supraspinatus Tendonitis

Supraspinatus tendonitis is the condition which results from the inflammation of the Supraspinatus muscle. This muscle is located in the shoulder and is one of the 4 rotator cuff muscles. The Supraspinatus muscle has a tendon as well, which is attached to the bone. The muscle originates from the inner edge of the upper shoulder, traveling all the way to the upper bone of the arm. When the tendon attached to the muscle is inflamed, the condition is referred to as supraspinatus tendonitis. Mostly people who are involved in physical activities like sportsmen, athletes, etc., tend to suffer from this condition. As per statistics, 6 out of 10 causes of shoulder pain is linked with supraspinatus tendonitis.

Causes of Supraspinatus Tendonitis

Prolonged stress on the tendon by performing activities beyond the capacity of the muscle may result in trauma. It is due to this that one tends to suffer from supraspinatus tendonitis. Mentioned below are some causes that can make a person suffer from this condition.

• Repetitive motion causing strain to the supraspinatus muscle.
• Trauma resulting from an injury.
• Activities that adds pressure to the supraspinatus muscle like swimming, weightlifting etc.
• Certain genetic abnormalities.
• Aging can also lead to reduction in the elasticity of the supraspinatus tendon, which can cause this condition.
• A sudden or drastic increase in the pressure applied to the supraspinatus muscle may also lead to inflammation.
• Poor core strength can cause this condition if the person suddenly tries to do an activity that pressurizes the supraspinatus tendon.

Symptoms of Supraspinatus Tendonitis

The severity of symptoms may vary from person to person. The most common age group which experiences the symptoms of this condition are between 20-40 years of age! The symptoms tend to become more serious if one ends up avoiding them and continues to overuse the shoulder joint! Have a look at the signs and symptoms indicating supraspinatus tendonitis.

• Constant pain in the shoulders, the intensity may vary depending upon the condition.
• Swelling in the shoulder muscles.
• Visible redness and inflammation in the upper shoulder.
• Shoulder pain while lifting arm.
• The pain may increase, specially while doing activities that exert the muscle.
• A tearing sensation accompanied with the pain in the shoulder muscle.
• Sudden appearance of pain in the shoulder area, specially while changing sleeping positions.
• At times, the pain also gives a throbbing or burning sensation.
• At times, a person may experience additional symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. This indicates more complications accompanied by Supraspinatus Tendonitis.
• Stiffness in the shoulder joint.
• Increased shoulder pain at night.
• Tenderness in the shoulder muscles and joints.

Treatment for Supraspinatus Tendonitis

If you think that the aforementioned symptoms are quite similar to what you are experiencing, then it is strictly advisable to get in touch with your health care specialist as soon as possible! The doctor would immediately inspect your shoulder joint movements and the range of motion. Various tests and examinations will be done to determine the severity of the condition, and start the treatment accordingly. The treatment may include,

• Pain killers to reduce the pain and help the patient obtain some relief
• Heat and cold treatment wherein hot and cold packs would be compressed on the affected area to reduce the inflammation
• Acupuncture
• Osteopathy
• Massage therapy
• If the condition is serious, then some doctors may also recommend treatment with corticosteroids injections
• Though it is very rare, but surgery may also be required if the condition cannot be controlled with drugs, medications and exercises

The exercises for treating this condition involves both strengthening and flexibility exercises. These include proper massage and rotation so that the tendon and the muscle may get healed without freezing the arm. Make sure that you take proper rest and follow the doctor's instructions to heal as soon as possible. Have a safe tomorrow!