Shoulder tendonitis, or tendinopathy, is an inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, can be a frustrating condition that impacts daily life and physical activities. Effective treatment involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, massage, and sports therapy.
Initially, it is crucial to rest the affected shoulder to prevent further strain. Applying ice to the area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may also be beneficial for managing symptoms in the short term.
Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in treating shoulder tendonitis. A physiotherapist will design a tailored exercise program to improve shoulder strength and flexibility. This often includes stretching exercises to increase the range of motion and strengthening exercises to support the tendons and muscles around the shoulder joint. By following a physiotherapy regimen, patients can gradually return to their normal activities while minimising the risk of recurrence.
Physiotherapy primarily focuses on reducing pain and inflammation through manual therapy, improving range of motion with specific exercises, and strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint, particularly the rotator cuff, to support the joint and prevent future injury. This enables a faster recovery and return to normal activities with less pain.
Sports physiotherapy is especially useful for athletes or individuals who engage in regular physical activity. Sports physiotherapists have specialised knowledge of sports-related injuries and can provide targeted treatments and exercises that address the specific demands of athletic movements. They also work on injury prevention strategies, helping patients to avoid future episodes of tendonitis.
Incorporating massage therapy can further enhance recovery. Massage helps to release muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area, which can speed up healing. Deep tissue massage or trigger point therapy, administered by a trained massage therapist, can be particularly effective in reducing muscle tightness and alleviating pain.
Sports therapy, which combines elements of physiotherapy and massage, offers comprehensive care for shoulder tendonitis. This approach includes not only rehabilitative exercises but also techniques like ultrasound therapy and manual therapy to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of the condition.
Sports therapy is a healthcare practice that helps people prevent injuries and return to fitness. It focuses on the musculoskeletal system.
A sports therapist can help with:
1. Sprains and strains
2. Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons
3. Repetitive injuries like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
4. Traumatic injuries
5. Frozen shoulder
Sports therapists focus on sports and exercise, while physiotherapists also include wider healthcare aspects in their training. Both can treat sports and musculoskeletal injuries.
In the early repair stages, in the first 3-6 weeks after your physiotherapy appointment, the range of motion will start to return, but the area may feel slightly stiff. In the later repair stages which is after 10-12 weeks, the swelling will have gone down and the tendon should be easier to move.
Combining rest, physiotherapy, sports therapy, massage, and other treatments can effectively address how to treat shoulder tendonitis. If you find yourself needing additional support, True Physio is here for you. Our team of over 45 accredited specialists brings decades of experience in sports physiotherapy , massage, and sports-specific rehabilitation. Reach out to us today to book an appointment at one of our cutting-edge treatment facilities across the UK. Whenever you’re ready to return to doing what you love, we’ll be here and ready to help.