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Shoulder Tendinitis
Treatment Options
Prevention
Sports
medicine information on shoulder impingement/shoulder tendinitis
Treatment
at UPMC
Therapy will depend on the extent of the injury, the cause, and other
factors. Treatment may include:
- rest
Avoid activities that produce pain in the shoulder.
- ice
To help control pain and swelling.
Use for 20 minutes at a time.
Use during the first 24 to 48 hours, or after exercise.
Protect your skin by placing a towel between the cold and your
skin.
- heat
This may help relieve pain and is often used before exercises to help
with motion.
Do not use with acute pain or following acute injury.
Check with a doctor or therapist before using heat the first time.
Use for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Protect your skin by placing a towel between the heat source and
your skin.
- medication, such as:
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain;
for example aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
steroid injection into the bursa overlying the rotator cuff to
decrease the inflammation; do not exercise the shoulder for 7
to 10 days after an injection
- rehabilitation, such as:
Physical therapy to strengthen muscles that control the shoulder.
Exercises to maintain normal range of motion.
Exercises for specific muscles that are used in sports or job
activities.
Gradual return to sports and work.
Learning how to modify activities to prevent re-injury.
- surgery
Depending on the injury, different procedures can be used, including:
arthroscopic surgery
open technique
Prevention
Guidelines to help protect the shoulder from injury include:
- Do regular exercise to strengthen the supporting muscles.
- Use proper athletic training methods.
- Do not increase exercise duration or intensity more than 10% per
week.
- Avoid overusing your arm in an overhead position.
- Modify job requirements to avoid overhead activity.
- Do not ignore or try to work through shoulder pain.
Treatment at UPMC
This condition is typically treated by experts specializing in:
Call UPMC at 800-533-UPMC (8762) to find a doctor and schedule an appointment.
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