Shoulder pain is a widespread issue that can significantly impact quality of life. Among the most common causes are shoulder tendonitis and bursitis, which involve inflammation of the shoulder's tendons and bursae, respectively. These conditions are closely linked due to their proximity in the joint and often co-occur, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with daily activities.
What Are Shoulder Tendonitis and Bursitis?
- Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to the bones in your shoulder. It is often caused by repetitive motion, overuse, or injuries.
- Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. When the bursa becomes irritated, it swells, causing pain and limited mobility.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
These conditions often result from:
- Repetitive Movements: Activities such as painting, swimming, or lifting heavy objects can strain the shoulder.
- Age-Related Wear and Tear: Older adults are more susceptible due to degeneration of tendons and bursae over time.
- Trauma: Sudden injuries or accidents can trigger acute inflammation.
- Underlying Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes can exacerbate inflammation and delay recovery.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Pain during movement, particularly when lifting or reaching overhead.
- Stiffness and swelling in the shoulder joint.
- Tenderness or warmth over the affected area.
- Limited range of motion, making daily tasks like dressing or driving challenging.
Diagnosing Shoulder Tendonitis and Bursitis
A diagnosis typically begins with a medical history review and physical examination. Your physician may also recommend imaging tests such as:
- X-rays: To rule out bone issues or arthritis.
- Ultrasound or MRI: To identify soft tissue damage and pinpoint inflammation.
Treatment Options
At Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation, we specialize in interventional pain management to address these conditions effectively and non-invasively. Here’s how we help:
- Conservative Approaches:
- Rest and activity modification are often the first steps to reduce strain on the shoulder.
- Physical Therapy: Customized exercises can strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance joint stability.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These can help manage pain and swelling in mild cases.
- Advanced Interventional Treatments:
- Corticosteroid Injections: These provide targeted relief by reducing inflammation in the affected area.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This regenerative treatment promotes natural healing by injecting concentrated growth factors derived from the patient’s blood. PRP is particularly effective for tendonitis and has been shown to improve recovery times for shoulder injuries
- Ultrasound-Guided Injections: These ensure precision in delivering treatment, minimizing discomfort and maximizing effectiveness.
- Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Ergonomic modifications for workstations and activities.
- Proper warm-up and stretching before physical exertion to prevent recurrence.
The Role of Interventional Pain Management
Interventional pain management focuses on addressing the root causes of pain rather than masking symptoms. By combining minimally invasive techniques with cutting-edge therapies, patients experience long-term relief and improved shoulder function without the risks associated with surgery.
Preventing Shoulder Tendonitis and Bursitis
- Incorporate regular strengthening and stretching exercises for the shoulders.
- Avoid overexertion during physical activities.
- Use proper techniques and ergonomic tools for tasks that involve repetitive shoulder movements.
The Path to Recovery
With prompt diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, most patients recover from tendonitis and bursitis without the need for invasive procedures. At Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation, we are dedicated to helping patients regain mobility and live pain-free lives through compassionate and state-of-the-art care.
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has two convenient locations in Richmond Hill – Queens, and New Hyde Park – Long Island. Call the Queens office at (718) 215-1888 or (516) 419-4480 for the Long Island office to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialists, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko or Dr. Sonny Ahluwalia.
