Steemit Learning Challenge-S22W4: Physical Therapy Intervention: Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

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Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis is the condition in which inflammation of tendons around the shoulder occurs. In the rotator cuff, there are 4 muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Along with these muscles, some other muscles and tendons surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and friction-free movement.

Causes

The common causes of rotator cuff tendonitis are below:

• Overuse or repetitive use of the shoulder joint
• Sudden trauma or injury to the shoulder joint
• Can also occur due to sports participation like tennis, swimming and other such sports.
• Agr-related wear and tear of the shoulder region
• Can also occur in people with poor ergonomics or posture.

Symptoms

The common symptoms shown in rotator cuff tendonitis patients are:

• Pain and tenderness on the affected shoulder and upper arm.
• Sometimes swelling or redness if the tendon gets inflamed.
• Sometimes Weakness or fatigue due to a reduction in strength in the shoulder.
• Feeling of clicking or snapping sensation in the shoulder joint while moving.
• Reduction in range of motion due to stiffness in the shoulder region.

Stages of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Stage 1 (Mild)

• In this stage there is inflammation and irritation around the shoulder region.
  Stage 2 (Moderate)
• The patient will feel a clicking or snapping sensation while performing a range of motion on the shoulder like flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. Also, there is a partial tear of the tendon, and tendon regeneration starts.
  Stage 3 (Severe)
• This is the last and most severe stage in rotator cuff tendonitis in which a complete tear of the tendon occurs.

Diagnosis

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis diagnosis can be made by different methods, but commonly used are:

• History taking about family, occupation, past medical, and surgical history.
• A thorough physical examination by a physician or physical therapist.
• X-ray, Ultrasound and MRI to assess arthritis, any tendon ruptures, and muscle damage, respectively.
• We will also perform arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose rotator cuff tendonitis.

Special Tests

In physiotherapy, we perform some special tests to confirm the diagnosis.

1. Neer Test
   • This is the test performed to assess the subacromial impingement.
2. Hawkins Kennedy Test
   • This test is also performed to assess the impingement in the shoulder region.
3. Jobe's Test
   • This test is performed to assess supraspinatus tendon strength or tear.
4. Speed Test
   • This test is performed to assess the biceps tendon pathology or tear.
5. Yergason Test
   • This test is performed to also assess the biceps tendon pathology or tear.

Physical Therapy Intervention for Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Physical therapy interventions for rotator cuff tendonitis for days to weeks to regain normal range of motion or performing activities of daily living, and subside the symptoms. Here are a few exercise videos that you have to perform to treat rotator cuff tendonitis patients. Treatment protocols vary from patient to patient.

But the main thing is you have to evaluate the exact cause of rotator cuff tendonitis, and its stage as well because treatment protocol varies from stage to stage, whether it's due to overuse or trauma. We can treat this condition completely with physical therapy, but sometimes surgical intervention is required if further damage occurs to tendons.