Shoulder tendonitis is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation of tendons in or around the shoulder joint. It is often caused by repetitive overhead motions or overuse of the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and weakness. 

Left untreated, it can damage the tendons and joints and causes excruciating pain and discomfort. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment for shoulder tendonitis as soon as possible.

Physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments are effective ways to treat shoulder tendonitis. These treatment options can help reduce pain and inflammation, increase the range of motion and strength, and prevent further damage to the tendons and joints.

Knowing more about the benefits of physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments is better. So, let’s dive in and understand these treatments for shoulder tendonitis.

Physical Therapy for Shoulder Tendonitis

Physical therapy is crucial in treating shoulder tendonitis. Usually, a physiotherapist can create a dedicated treatment plan that includes a combination of exercises and techniques to help reduce pain and inflammation, increase the range of motion and flexibility, and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint.

Different Types of Physical Therapy Exercises for Shoulder Tendonitis

Healthcare professionals suggest several exercises beneficial for treating shoulder tendonitis. These include

  • Range of Motion Exercises

These exercises can help improve shoulder joint flexibility by gently stretching the muscles and tendons. They are effective enough and help treat shoulder tendonitis.

  • Strengthening Exercises

These exercises target the muscles around the shoulder joint to improve strength and stability. Performing strengthening exercises goes a long way toward helping patients suffering from shoulder tendonitis.

  • Manual Therapy

The therapy involves hands-on techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization, to reduce pain and improve the range of motion.

  • Electrical Stimulation

This technique requires electrical impulses to help reduce pain and inflammation while promoting holistic healing.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy in Treating Shoulder Tendonitis

Physical therapy can provide several benefits for those with shoulder tendonitis, which include:

  • Pain Reduction

Physical therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint, allowing for a quicker and more comfortable recovery.

  • Improved Range of Motion

You can perform a range of motion exercises and manual therapy techniques to improve your flexibility and mobility in the shoulder joint. It is an essential component of physical therapy.

  • Strengthening of muscles

Physical therapy can target the muscles around the shoulder joint and helps improve strength and stability to prevent further injuries or unwanted complications.

  • Avoidance of surgery

Physical therapy can help avoid surgery, making it a less invasive and costly option.

Shoulder tendonitis is a common condition accompanied by significant pain and discomfort. However, physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments can effectively treat this condition. Now, let’s look at the non-surgical treatments for this condition in detail below.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. While surgery may be necessary in severe cases, shoulder tendonitis treatment without surgery can often provide effective relief. Some of these treatments include

  • Rest and Modification of Activities

One of the most important steps in treating shoulder tendonitis is to rest the affected shoulder and avoid activities that may exacerbate the condition. Modifying activities to reduce the shoulder’s stress can also be helpful.

  • Ice and Heat Therapy

Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain. Heat therapy can also be beneficial in promoting blood flow to the area and relaxing the muscles.

  • Medications

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Topical creams or gels containing anti-inflammatory medications are applied directly to the affected area.

  • Injection Therapy

Finally, injection therapy is an effective solution to treat shoulder tendonitis. Here are some of these therapeutic methods.

  • Corticosteroid Injections: These injections can reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area. 
  • Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: These injections promote healing in the affected tendons. 
  • Acupuncture: This method involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points of the body, reducing pain and promoting healing in the affected area.

Combined Approach: Physical Therapy and Other Non-Surgical Treatments

Physical therapy is a common non-surgical treatment for shoulder tendonitis. It involves exercises and stretches designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint and improve the range of motion. 

Physical therapy can be even more effective in treating shoulder tendonitis when combined with other non-surgical treatments, such as rest, ice and heat therapy, medications, injection therapy, and acupuncture.

The benefits of combining physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments in treating shoulder tendonitis include:

  • Improved Pain Relief

Physical therapy can help reduce pain by strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint and improving the range of motion. The pain relief can be even greater when combined with other non-surgical treatments, such as ice and heat therapy or medications.

  • Faster Healing

Injection therapy, such as corticosteroid or PRP injections, can help promote healing in the affected tendons. The overall healing time can be reduced when combined with physical therapy exercises designed to improve blood flow and promote healing.

  • Reduced Risk of Re-Injury

By strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint and improving the range of motion, physical therapy can help reduce the risk. When combined with other non-surgical treatments, such as rest and activity modification, the overall risk of re-injury can be further reduced.

Conclusion

Shoulder tendonitis is a common condition that results in pain, inflammation, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It can be caused by overuse, trauma, or degenerative changes in the shoulder tendons.

Physical therapy can be a highly effective treatment approach for shoulder tendonitis, as it can help improve shoulder strength, range of motion, and stability. Other non-surgical treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and ultrasound therapy, can also help manage the pain and inflammation associated with shoulder tendonitis.

In summary, seeking medical advice for shoulder tendonitis is crucial, and early intervention can prevent further damage and disability. With advancements in non-surgical treatments, individuals with shoulder tendonitis can expect effective and personalized care that promotes optimal shoulder function and overall health.

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