Shoulder Rotator Tendinopathy: Try Physical Therapy First

Shoulder pain related to the rotator cuff tendinopathy (micro-irritation of the rotator cuff tendon) is a common condition seen in orthopedic physical therapy clinics. One study demonstrated that up to 44% of shoulder pain is related to a rotator cuff muscles. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that surround the humeral head (ball of the shoulder joint). The muscles are referred to as the “SITS” muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subcapularis). The muscles function to rotate/elevate the arm and give stability to the shoulder joint.

The symptoms of rotator cuff tendinopathy are; shoulder pain that may radiate to the arm, limited shoulder range of motion, weakness of the shoulder, and altered function.

Individuals with symptoms of rotator cuff tendinopathy should derive considerable comfort from the research that consistently demonstrates improvement in symptoms with a wellstructured and graduated physical therapy program. Physical therapy treatments have been shown to have equivalent or better outcomes as compared to surgical trials with the additional benefits of; fewer sick leaves, a faster return to work, and reduce costs to the healthcare system.

The principles guiding physical therapy management for rotator cuff tendinopathy include: relative rest, modification of painful activities, manual therapy to the shoulder and scapular soft tissues, an exercise progression strategy that initially does not exacerbate pain, controlled reloading of the shoulder, and gradual progression from simple to complex functional shoulder movements. Education is an essential component of rehabilitation and attention to lifestyle factors (smoking cessation, improved nutrition, reducing stress, and sleep management) may enhance out- come.

There is even evidence that a well-structured physical therapy program can even be beneficial for people with massive inoperable tears of the rotator cuff.

(J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, Epub 21 Sep 2015)

We can help!

If pain is limiting you from doing the activities you enjoy, give Mishock Physical Therapy a call for a Free Phone Consultation at (610)327-2600 or email your questions to mishockpt@comcast.net. Also, visit our website to learn more about our treatment philosophy, our physical therapy staff, and our six convenient locations in Gilbertsville, Skippack, Phoenixville, Barto, Limerick and Stowe at www.mishockpt.com. (Dr. Mishock is one of only a few clinicians with doctorate level degrees in both physical therapy and chiropractic in the state of Pennsylvania.)