Shoulder Tendonitis/Bursitis

The shoulder joint is made up of two bones; the humerus in the upper arm, and the scapula. The 4 rotator cuff tendons are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis. These muscles attach the shoulder blade to the humerus. There are responsible for lifting the arm overhead and rotation of the shoulder.

• Shoulder pain on overhead reaching or rest
• Shoulder swelling
• Loss of range of motion
• Shoulder Weakness

Shoulder Tendonitis/Bursitis is diagnosed in the office after thorough discussion and physical exam with your orthopedic provider. X-rays of the shoulder are mostly used to rule out other shoulder problems. MRI can be ordered to evaluate for tendon tears or other soft tissue abnormalities.

• Rest
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid or “cortisone” injections can reduce tendon inflammation and reduce or eliminate symptoms
• CBD – CBD is a natural, nonsurgical way to help treat pain and tendon inflammation
• PRP and Stem Cell injections are nonsurgical ways to treat pain and inflammation associated with shoulder tendonitis/bursitis
• Physical Therapy
• Surgery

The primary surgical treatment for Shoulder Tendonitis/Bursitis is through Arthroscopic surgery. This is a minimally invasive surgery through small incisions around the shoulder that allows the orthopedic specialist to remove the inflamed tissue in the shoulder, address any bone spurs that may be irritating the tendons, and repair any tendons that may be torn or injured.

Most of the patients can start gentle range-of-motion exercises shortly after surgery, followed by light stretching and strengthening exercises 4-6 weeks after surgery. Physical therapy is recommended to improve the range of motion and strength of the shoulder.