Lean on Me: What’s the Best Treatment for Shoulder Tendonitis?
Here’s what you should know about shoulder tendonitis treatment in Mill Creek, Washington so you can make an informed decision.
Shoulder tendonitis is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Also known as shoulder impingement, this condition causes inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons. It can make it different to hold your arm in certain positions, play sports, or even sleep.
Rotator cuff abnormalities affect 9.7 to 62% of the population. The risk of developing shoulder tendonitis and other related conditions increases with age.
Athletes are more likely to develop this condition. Baseball and volleyball players, swimmers, and weightlifters face the highest risk. Manual labor and falls may cause injuries to your shoulder too.
Getting adequate treatment in a timely manner may help prevent complications. Therapeutic exercises combined with proper rest and chiropractic care can speed up your recovery.
Shoulder Tendonitis Causes and Symptoms
This condition is common in both athletes and middle-aged people. Baseball players, tennis players, and bodybuilders, and other athletes who use their arms overhead are at higher risk. Occupations that involve manual work may lead to shoulder pain and inflammation too.
Rotator cuff tendonitis, or shoulder tendonitis, causes tenderness and swelling in the front of your shoulder. Its symptoms may resemble those of other injuries or conditions, which is why it’s important to see a doctor. These may include:
- Shoulder pain and soreness
- Mild swelling
- Clicking sounds when using the shoulder
- Sharp pain when lifting your arm
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
These symptoms are typically due to overuse of a muscle or tendon, but they may also result from trauma to the shoulder or inflammatory diseases.
If you have shoulder pain, your doctor may recommend an MRI scan, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests. First, he will try to rule out bursitis and other disorders with similar symptoms.
Know Your Treatment Options
After a physical examination, your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan based on your age, symptoms, and other factors. A combination of strengthening exercises, massage therapy, and rest is effective in most cases.
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to shoulder tendonitis treatment. This form of therapy can help relieve muscle tension and strengthen the affected tendon, leading to pain relief.
Your chiropractor may also recommend bracing, ice therapy, and other techniques to decrease inflammation. As you begin to heal, he may prescribe gentle exercises to strengthen your shoulder and increase its mobility.
Side-lying external rotations, doorway stretches, and supine passive arm elevation are just a few examples. The pendulum exercise can help too. Consistency is the key.
With proper care, your symptoms should subside within two weeks to one month. Surgery should be your last resort.
Relieve Shoulder Pain Naturally
Shoulder tendonitis can be debilitating. The sooner you do something about it, the lower the risk of complications.
At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness, we provide chiropractic care, massage therapy, and custom exercise programs in Mill Creek, Washington. If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, we can develop a treatment plan that fits into your lifestyle.
Don’t make any compromises when it comes to your health. Reach out to our team to discuss your needs and see how we can help!