Rotar Cuff Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a common cause of shoulder pain and impingement in athletes. In this condition, the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed and swollen. Rotator cuff tendonitis can be either primary due to faulty biomechanics or secondary due to excessive loading due to a predisposition such as poor scapulao humeral rhythm. In addition, several trigger points (knotted muscle tissue) are set off throughout the muscular structures of shoulder making certain movements restricted and painful.

The client usually complains of movements such as reaching above the head, behind the back as well as racquet sports, shoulder military presses etc.

On examination there may be tenderness over the supra spinatus tendon, pectorals, infraspinatus and the posterior deltoid structures. Ultrasound scan can also confirm a tear in some of the tendons.

Treatment is usually performed in two parts:

The first part is to treat the tendonitis with digital ischaemic pressure, progressing to transverse frictions throughout the tender bands in the neighbouring muscles that attach and support shoulder. Dry needling (IMS) is used to desensitize and relax the trigger points and taut bands of resistive muscles.

The second part of the treatment is a comprehensive stretching programme of the shoulder and all of its associated muscle groups along with functional movement re-education and strengthening programme.

With KC physio within 4 to 5 treatments most rotator cuff injuries are significantly improved if not fully resolved.