Shoulder tendonitis is a common condition that causes pain and discomfort in the shoulder area. It occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed or irritated, often due to overuse or injury. At Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago, knowledge provides the opportunity to heal and make informed decisions about your recovery. Our experts provide information on the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for shoulder tendonitis.

What is shoulder tendonitis?

Shoulder tendonitis is a condition that occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed or irritated. Tendons are the thick, fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones and play an essential role in the movement and stability of the shoulder joint. When these tendons become damaged or overused, they can become inflamed, leading to pain, stiffness, and weakness in the shoulder. Shoulder tendonitis can affect anyone, but it is most common in people who engage in repetitive overhead activities, such as athletes, manual laborers, and musicians.

Shoulder Tendonitis Treatments at Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago

Radial Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder Tendonitis

Radial Shockwave therapy is a go-to treatment for moderate to severe shoulder tendonitis, which has not responded to conservative physical therapy or chiropractic care trials. Radial Shockwave Therapy is an advanced, non-invasive treatment option for shoulder tendonitis that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in your shoulder. The shockwaves are delivered to the shoulder through a handheld wand. Radial Shockwave Therapy promotes pro-collagen synthesis that helps repair your injured tendons. In addition, it helps improve blood flow to the injured shoulder, which supports the healing and regeneration of injured tissue (muscle, tendon & bone). This treatment is typically done in a series of sessions lasting 5-10 minutes scheduled a week apart and can be effective for both acute and chronic cases of shoulder tendonitis. We offer free consultations to determine if radial shockwave therapy is the right treatment option for your case.

How is shoulder tendonitis diagnosed?

At Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago, shoulder tendonitis is typically diagnosed through a physical exam and a review of the patient’s medical history. The chiropractic physician may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of shoulder pain. If you have severe shoulder pain that lasts longer than a week, it is essential to seek an evaluation and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage and improve recovery time.

What are the treatment options for shoulder tendonitis?

Conservative treatment for shoulder tendonitis typically involves a combination of rest and physical therapy. Resting the affected shoulder and avoiding activities aggravating the condition can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. In addition, physical therapy exercises can help improve the range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint.

We use radial shockwave therapy in selected moderate to severe cases that may not respond to conservative care. Although results vary, many patients can expect symptoms to improve within 3-5 treatments and resolve within 8-12. Radial shockwave therapy also accelerates the healing process for many athletes who need to return to training or their game with minimal time off.

Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis is characterized by shoulder pain when the arm is raised to height or moved behind the back or head. This pain is often caused by inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the shoulder and can be exacerbated by repetitive overhead movements or poor posture. That causes pain in the upper arm, typically extending as far as the elbow.

Symptoms may include:

Pain
Stiffness
Weakness in the affected arm
Difficulty performing everyday activities
Shoulder clicking, which can occur when moving the arm or shoulder

This clicking sound is often accompanied by pain or discomfort and can signal the worsening of the condition.

Shoulder tendonitis can cause pain and discomfort, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.

If left untreated, shoulder tendonitis can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility, please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most cases of shoulder tendonitis can be effectively managed.

How to Avoid Shoulder Tendonitis

While it may not always be possible to avoid the activity that causes it, taking breaks and stretching regularly can help alleviate symptoms. Varying the direction of movement or body position can also be beneficial in preventing further strain on the affected area. A functional exam can determine if there is a muscle weakness or in-coordination that exists that is contributing to the extra stress on your shoulder causing the symptoms. Early intervention may help remove the extra stress allowing for healing to occur and lessen the probability that the symptoms progress to shoulder tendonitis.

To decrease the risk of developing shoulder tendonitis, it is important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of physical activity, especially if it is not a regular part of your routine. If you experience pain during an activity, stop and rest. If the pain persists when you resume the movement, it is best to stop for the day and allow your body to recover. Remember, pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong, so it is essential to listen and take appropriate action to prevent further injury.

Regular strengthening and conditioning your shoulder may reduce the risk of developing shoulder tendonitis. One effective way to do this is through resistance training with resistance bands or light weights, which could be done three times a week. By improving the strength of your tendons, you can reduce the risk of injury and keep your shoulders healthy and pain-free.

Maintaining proper posture and form during daily activities and sports is important. This includes using ergonomic equipment, such as chairs and desks at the correct height, and using correctly sized equipment, such as rackets and bats. Taking these preventative measures can reduce your risk of developing this painful condition.

Take a Break and Rest

If you’re experiencing shoulder tendonitis, taking breaks during activities that may aggravate the condition is important. When you start to feel stiff or tired, it’s a sign that your body needs rest. So please take a short break and do something else to relieve pressure on your tendons and allow them to heal. Even a brief pause can make a big difference in your recovery.

Getting Help For Your Shoulder Tendonitis

At Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago, we strive to offer our patients the latest and most effective treatments for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. So if you’re experiencing shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with tendonitis, we’re here to help. Our team of experts can provide advanced non-surgical options and physical therapy to help you recover and return to your daily activities. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call or text us at 773-878-7330 or schedule your appointment online.