How Shoulder Tendinitis Affects Athletes: Rehabilitation and Return to Sports
Shoulder tendinitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the tendons of the shoulder, causing pain, restricted mobility and discomfort. It often develops due to excessive strain or frequent repetitive movements, making it a common problem both for athletes and for individuals with demanding daily activities. Dr Andreas Leonidou, MSc, PhD, FRCS (Tr&Orth), explains how shoulder tendinitis affects athletes, the rehabilitation methods available and the strategies for a safe return to sports.
What Is Shoulder Tendinitis?
Shoulder tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons that connect the shoulder muscles to the humerus. It is usually caused by overuse or repetitive strain, as occurs in athletes or individuals whose work requires intense or repetitive shoulder movements. Symptoms include shoulder pain, especially during movement or when lifting the arm, and restricted mobility. If left untreated, the condition may worsen and lead to more serious problems.
Shoulder Tendinitis in Athletes
Shoulder tendinitis can significantly affect athletes, as it causes pain and restricted joint mobility, making it difficult to participate in sports activities that require intensive use of the upper limb. Sports such as tennis, volleyball, basketball and swimming, which involve repetitive shoulder movements, can not only contribute to the development of tendinitis but also worsen the condition if it is not treated promptly.
Which Symptoms Can Affect Athletic Performance?
The symptoms of shoulder tendinitis that can affect athletic performance include:
- Shoulder pain: Especially during arm movement or elevation, making sports activities difficult.
- Upper limb weakness: Difficulty performing specific movements or maintaining shoulder strength can affect performance, such as throwing, hitting or stretching.
- Restricted mobility: Inability to move the shoulder through its full range of motion, especially during movements that require considerable flexibility (e.g. throwing, hitting).
- Tenderness or swelling: The presence of swelling or tenderness may limit comfort during exercise and cause discomfort.
- Severe fatigue: Intense strain on the shoulder during sports can lead to greater fatigue and reduced performance.
Shoulder Tendinitis in Athletes: Treatment
The treatment of shoulder tendinitis in athletes includes conservative and surgical methods, depending on the severity of the condition and the response to treatment.
Conservative Treatment
Most cases of shoulder tendinitis can be treated with non-invasive methods, aimed at reducing inflammation and restoring shoulder function:
- Rest and avoidance of strain
- Physiotherapy
- Medication
- Ice therapy
- Corticosteroid injections or biological agents such as PRP
Surgical Treatment
When conservative treatment is ineffective and the athlete continues to experience severe pain or restricted mobility, surgical intervention may be required.
- Arthroscopic repair: This is a minimally invasive technique in which, through small incisions and with the use of a specialised camera (arthroscope), the surgeon removes inflamed or damaged tissue and repairs the tendons. This method offers faster recovery and less postoperative pain compared with open surgery.
Rehabilitation and Recovery after Shoulder Arthroscopy
Rehabilitation after shoulder arthroscopy is crucial for complete recovery and a safe return to daily activities or sports. Usually, a gradual rehabilitation programme is followed, which includes:
- First days: The shoulder is immobilised in a sling for 48 hours following arthroscopy for tendinitis. Early mobilisation is encouraged to prevent stiffness and promote faster recovery.
- Physiotherapy: Begins with range-of-motion exercises and gradually includes strengthening of the shoulder and shoulder blade muscles.
- Return to activity: Daily activities are permitted relatively quickly, while a full return to sports takes place within 1–3 months, depending on the patient’s progress.
Proper guidance from a specialised physiotherapist and adherence to the surgeon’s instructions are essential for successful rehabilitation.
Postoperative Instructions after Shoulder Arthroscopy
The postoperative instructions after shoulder arthroscopy include:
- Rest and protection: Wear a brace or bandage and avoid strenuous movements.
- Pain relief: Use ice therapy and medication as recommended by the doctor.
- Rehabilitation exercises: Begin gentle mobility exercises and physiotherapy from the day after the arthroscopy.
- Avoid loading: Avoid intensive and strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks.
- Follow-up: Before you leave the hospital, you will have been given your next appointment for reassessment and monitoring of your recovery.
If you are an athlete experiencing shoulder pain or reduced mobility due to tendinitis, Dr Leonidou can help you return confidently to your sporting activities. Contact him for a comprehensive diagnosis and personalised treatment.
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