Supraspinatus Tendinitis: Diagnosis, Treatment & Recovery Guide

Introduction:

Supraspinatus Tendinitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of the supraspinatus tendon, one of the four rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder. This tendon plays a crucial role in arm elevation and rotation. When inflamed, it can lead to significant shoulder pain and limit movement, impacting daily activities and quality of life.

Cause:

The primary cause of supraspinatus tendinitis is often repetitive overhead activities, leading to overuse a microtrauma to the tendon. Other contributing factors include:

• Poor Posture: Slouching or rounded shoulders can narrow the rotator cuff tendons that pass through.
• Age-Related Degeneration: Tendons can weaken and become more susceptible to injury with age.
• Trauma: A direct fall or sudden forceful movement can injure the tendon.
• Improper Lifting Techniques: Using incorrect form when lifting heavy objects.

Clinical Features:

Patient typically presents with:

• Pain: Localized pain in the front or side of the shoulder, often radiating down the arm. The pain usually worsens with overhead activities or reaching behind the back.
• Tenderness: Palpation over the supraspinatus tendon can elicit pain.
• Weakness: Difficulty lifting the arm or performing specific movements due to pain or true weakness.
• Limited Range of Motion: Especially during abduction (lifting the arm away from the body) and external rotation.
• Crepitus: A grinding or crackling sensation may be felt with shoulder movement.

Risk Factors:

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing supraspinatus tendinitis:

• Occupations: Jobs requiring repetitive overhead arm movements (e.g., painters, carpenters, athletes).
• Sports: Activities like swimming, tennis, baseball, and volleyball are high-risk.
• Age: More common in individuals over 40.
• Poor shoulder Mechanics: Muscle imbalances or instability in the shoulder joint.

Physiotherapy Management:

Physiotherapy is crucial for effective management and recovery:

• Pain Management: Modalities like ice, heat, ultrasound, and TENS can reduce pain and inflammation.
• Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding aggravating activities to allow the tendon to heal.
• Manual Therapy: Joint mobilizations and soft tissue massage to restore joint mechanics and reduce muscle tensions.
• Strengthening Exercises: Gradual strengthening of the rotator cuff muscles, scapular stabilizations, and surrounding shoulder muscles.
• Stretching: Improving flexibility and range of motion.
• Postural correction: Addressing poor posture to optimize shoulder mechanics.
• Ergonomic Advice: Guidance on proper body mechanics for work and daily activities

Conclusion:

Supraspinatus Tendinitis can be a debilitating condition, but with early diagnosis and a comprehensive physiotherapy program, most individuals achieve significant pain relief and restore shoulder function. Adhering to rehabilitation exercises and adopting preventive measures are key to long-term recovery and preventing recurrence.