Rotator cuff tendinitis is a painful and debilitating condition affecting millions of people worldwide. The rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons, surrounds the shoulder joint and works to help the shoulder move and remain stable. When the muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff become inflamed or irritated, they can cause rotator cuff tendinitis.
Our physiatrist at Stem Cell Carolina is experienced and qualified in providing rotator cuff tendinitis treatment in Charlotte, NC. Through stem cell therapy and other regenerative management techniques, we ensure patients experience painless rotator cuff tendinitis treatment. Read on to learn more about rotator cuff tendinitis.
What Is Rotator Cuff Tendinitis?
Rotator cuff tendinitis (or tendonitis), also known as impingement syndrome, is a condition that affects the rotator cuff muscles and limits your range of motion. It is characterized by the inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons that allow the shoulder to rotate and lift. This inflammation usually occurs due to performing repetitive overhead activities that strain the rotator cuff tendons.
Preventing rotator cuff tendinitis primarily involves avoiding overhead repetitive movements that strain the tendons such as lifting weights, painting, and throwing. Proper stretching before and after a workout session, using proper techniques while playing sports, and a balanced training program can help prevent further complications.
Causes of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Rotator cuff tendinitis can happen due to numerous factors, including acute injury, overuse, and age. Let’s have a look at each of these factors.
Acute injury
An acute injury can occur due to trauma to the shoulder area. Common examples of acute injuries that can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis include a direct blow to the shoulder or a fall onto an outstretched arm. These types of injuries can cause the tendons of the rotator cuff to become inflamed, which leads to pain and discomfort.
Overuse
When a person engages in repetitive overhead arm movements, like pitching in baseball or swimming, they can strain their rotator cuff muscles and tendons. Over time, this can lead to inflammation and tendinitis.
Age
The blood supply to the tissues surrounding the rotator cuff tends to decrease with age, making it more difficult for these tissues to heal after injury. These changes can make elderly individuals more susceptible to developing rotator cuff tendinitis.
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
A rotator cuff tear can cause several symptoms, including pain, weakness, and limitation of motion. Shoulder tendinitis can be acute, which means it comes on suddenly, or chronic, which develops over time.
What does shoulder tendonitis feel like? Below are the symptoms experienced by individuals with shoulder tendinitis.
Shoulder pain
The pain is usually felt in the shoulder and can radiate down the arm. It is often described as a dull ache, but it can also be sharp and intense. The pain may increase with activities that involve lifting the arm or overhead movements.
Popping sound when moving the shoulder
The sound is caused by the tendons rubbing against the bone and can be heard when moving the shoulder. While this symptom may not be painful, it is a sign of underlying inflammation in the tendons.
Numbness in the arm or hand
This symptom is due to the compression of the nerves that run through the shoulder and can be felt in the fingers or hand. While numbness is not a common symptom of rotator cuff tendinitis, it can be a sign of a more serious condition.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit our physiatrist in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Ahmad, to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Rotator cuff tendinitis is a painful condition that can be treated through many methods. From conservative treatments such as physical therapy to more advanced stem cell therapy, patients have access to a range of effective options.
At Stem Cell Carolina we offer regenerative medicine for rotator cuff tendinitis treatment in Charlotte, NC. Our team provides the best treatment procedures and enlightens you on how to treat shoulder tendinitis. We provide regenerative medicine for a successful recovery from rotator cuff tendinitis. Contact us to book an appointment or a free consultation today!