Rotator cuff tendinitis
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling various arm movements. When the rotator cuff becomes inflamed or injured, it can lead to a condition known as rotator cuff tendinitis, which causes shoulder pain. Inflammation, overuse, trauma, or age-related degeneration can all contribute to rotator cuff tendinitis, resulting in discomfort and restricted shoulder mobility. Therefore, the health and functionality of the rotator cuff significantly influence the occurrence and severity of shoulder pain.
What is rotator cuff tendinitis?
Rotator cuff tendinitis, also known as impingement, bursitis, or biceps tendinitis, refers to the same condition where the cuff tendons and the surrounding bursa experience pain and swelling. The bursa, a soft sac containing a small amount of fluid, serves to cushion the joint. These different names simply indicate various aspects of the same problem involving the inflammation of the cuff tendons and the bursa, leading to discomfort and swelling in the affected area.
What are the symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis?
Shoulder pain: Pain is usually felt in the front or on the side of the shoulder and may worsen with arm movement, especially when lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind the back.
Weakness: You may experience weakness in the affected shoulder, making it challenging to perform certain movements or lift objects.
Limited range of motion: Tenderness and inflammation can lead to a reduced range of motion in the shoulder, making it difficult to move the arm freely.
Pain at night: Some individuals with rotator cuff tendonitis may experience increased pain and discomfort while lying on the affected shoulder at night.
Clicking or popping sensation: You might hear or feel a clicking or popping sensation in the shoulder during certain movements.
Swelling or tenderness: The affected area may feel swollen, and touching or pressing on the shoulder might cause tenderness.
How does shockwave therapy for rotator cuff tendinitis work?
Shockwave therapy for rotator cuff tendinitis works by using high-energy shockwaves to target the inflamed and damaged tendons of the rotator cuff. The shockwaves are delivered to the affected area using a specialized handpiece. When the shockwaves penetrate the injured tendons, they stimulate increased blood flow and promote cellular activity, leading to enhanced tissue repair and regeneration.
The therapy also helps to break down scar tissue and calcifications that may have formed in the tendons, reducing inflammation and pain. By initiating the body’s natural healing response, shockwave therapy aids in the recovery of the rotator cuff tendinitis.
The treatment is non-invasive and typically administered in several sessions, depending on the severity of the condition. It is well-tolerated by most patients and has been shown to be an effective option for relieving pain and promoting healing in individuals with rotator cuff tendinitis.
[1] Li, W., Zhang, S. X., Yang, Q. I., Li, B. L., Meng, Q. G., & Guo, Z. G. (2017). Effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for treating patients with chronic rotator cuff tendonitis. Medicine, 96(35).
[2] Harniman, E., Carette, S., Kennedy, C., & Beaton, D. (2004). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for calcific and noncalcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff: a systematic review. Journal of Hand Therapy, 17(2), 132-151.