Shoulder Tendinitis: Prevention and Treatment

What causes shoulder tendinitis?

Shoulder tendinitis is usually the result of sports injuries and prolonged strain on the shoulder. For example, professional baseball players, swimmers and tennis players are particularly prone to the condition. Poor technique in any sport is one of the primary causes of tendon overload, which leads to shoulder tendinitis. Other causes may include occupations that require prolonged use of the arm above head level, repeated lifting of weights, as well as abnormal shoulder anatomy.

How can shoulder tendinitis be prevented?

Because most cases of shoulder tendinitis are caused by excessive strain, the best treatment is prevention. It is important to avoid or modify activities that cause the problem. Poor posture and incorrect technique in sports or at work should be corrected.

• Start with a good warm-up and gradually increase your activity level
• Use less force and fewer repetitions
• Stop if unusual pain develops
• Correct your technique

Treatment of shoulder tendinitis

The initial treatment of shoulder tendinitis is conservative and includes:

• Rest: It is important to avoid any activities that increase the pain. Although rest is important, complete inactivity can cause stiffness
• Ice therapy: 20 minutes several times a day will help relieve pain and swelling
• Anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce swelling and pain.
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation may include stretching and exercises to restore range of motion.
• Cortisone injection may be used to treat inflammation and pain
• Treatment with autologous platelet-derived healing factors (PRP)

If conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment of the condition is recommended. More specifically, shoulder arthroscopy is considered the best solution, offering definitive and excellent results.

Read also: Vaccination and Shoulder Pain: Prevention and Treatment, Shoulder Instability and Recovery After Shoulder Arthroscopy: What to Expect Week by Week. More answers in the frequently asked questions.