Shoulder tendon inflammation

A tendon inflammation in the shoulder is a reaction of the tendon to overuse. The tendon is damaged and becomes irritated. The tendon swells and the shoulder can no longer be used as well. It is important to know that the blood supply of tendon tissue is much less than that of muscle tissue. This can delay the recovery of tendons.

How does a tendon inflammation of the shoulder occur?

In a tendon inflammation there is almost always damage due to overuse. Think of repeated movements of the shoulder during work activities or heavy loading during sports. Weakness of the shoulder muscles also increases the risk of damage and thus a tendon inflammation.

The rotator cuff muscle group is most involved in stabilising and moving the shoulder. Of these four muscles, the musculus supraspinatus is most often overused and therefore more vulnerable to inflammation of the tendon.

How can you recognise a tendon inflammation of the shoulder?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. In the shoulder joint, the whole of bones, muscles and tendons is responsible for the freedom of these movements.

Characteristic of a tendon inflammation in the shoulder is that movements above shoulder height are made more difficult and feel painful. The painful movement when lifting the arm sideways is referred to as the 'painful arc'. The pain is present up to 120 degrees; when lifting further sideways, the pain decreases again.

How is a tendon inflammation of the shoulder diagnosed?

The most important thing in diagnosing a tendon inflammation of the shoulder is to exclude other possible conditions. Consider, for example, a bursitis. A characteristic of bursitis is that the pain feels more 'dull' and in a tendon inflammation more 'stabbing'.

A combination of complaints is also possible. Irritation of the supraspinatus tendon can cause it to thicken and compress the nearby bursa.

In case of doubt, the GP may choose to have imaging carried out. In most cases, ultrasound is sufficient for the diagnosis of a tendon inflammation of the shoulder. If the result is insufficient, a CT scan or MRI scan is possible.

How is a tendon inflammation of the shoulder treated?

Treatment of a tendon inflammation of the shoulder is often twofold. To suppress the signs of inflammation, rest and cooling of the shoulder are most important. It is advisable to do this in combination with treatment by a physiotherapist. He or she will set out a rehabilitation programme aimed at reducing pain and strengthening the muscles around the shoulder through exercise therapy.