Chronic Shoulder Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis is a common shoulder condition experienced in some degree by many people. The term literally means inflamation of the muscle tendon and can arise due to specific injury, overuse, improper ergonomics, or faulty shoulder mechanics caused by muscle imbalances and shoulder/shoulder blade weakness.

Although reducing pain and inflammation is important in treatment, what is essential to address for effective resolution of chronic shoulder tendonitis, are the causes. Stubborn shoulder pain is often caused by one or more of the following: scar tissue around the tendon (from previous injury or overuse), imbalanced shoulder musculature and joint dynamics, ergonomics, sleeping positions, and a common, but often overlooked contributor to shoulder conditions (and many nagging arm conditions) are tight neck muscles,
particularly the scalene muscles.

When muscles are tight or overused, they can develop trigger points. Trigger points are knots that can cause symptoms of pain, tightness or numbness in the area of the originating muscle or in referred areas. In the case of the scalene muscles, these can refer into the arm, often causing or exacerbating pain or tightness in the shoulder. This can contribute to chronic, as well as acute, shoulder pain tendonitis. The scalenes, when tight, can also create pressure on the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves that travel from the neck to the arms, affecting the shoulder in a similar way to trigger points.

Breaking down scar tissue and restoring optimal muscle length, strength and mechanics of the shoulder (and surrounding area) through IMS, acupuncture, specific exercise training, and education are important parts or treatment in resolving acute and chronic shoulder tendonitis conditions. Cases where there is no or little change following this thorough treatment leads to the suspicion of a tear or bony abnormality that may be creating the
inflammation. Through communication with the physician, further investigations (such as MRI or ultrasound) may be required to get a better understanding of the causes.

In many cases when tendon tears are present, there can still be improvement through treatment, as the shoulder's mechanics are improved and strengthened and the scar tissue is broken down.

A home exercise program that includes stretching of the neck and shoulder muscles, strengthening of the mid back and shoulder stabilisers, and self massage can go a long way in healing/resolving/ maintaining shoulder conditions following or in conjunction with treatment. To get more information or to book treatment of chronic shoulder problems or other chronic arm/neck issues, please call the clinic or mail daniela@sevaphysio.com

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