Steemit Learning Challenge-S22W4; Rotator Cuff Tendonitis"
Before talking about rotator cuff tendonitis we should know that what are muscles in rotator cuff so it contains four group of muscles which are supraspinatus, infraspinatus,teres minor and subscapularis and these muscles tendons work together and when they get irritated and inflamed then this condition is called rotator cuff tendonitis.
| Symptoms |
|---|
• Aching and burning pain will be feeling in shoulder and upper arm which worsen at night time.
• Problem while lifting something and rotation of arm.
• Restricted ROM in shoulder.
• Swelling and redness at affected side.
• Cracking and snapping sounds when shoulder moves.
| Causes |
|---|
• Repeated overhead activities (Repetitive strain)
• Slouched posture or rounded shoulders can put strain at rotator cuff muscle tendons.
• Sudden injury at shoulder (Direct blow to shoulder)
• Fall at outstretched arm
• Tendon wear and tear due to aging.
| Types |
|---|
• Supraspinatus tendonitis cause inflammation of tendon of supraspinatus muscle which helps in shoulder joint stabilization.
• Infraspinatus tendonitis cause swelling of infraspinatus tendon which helps in arm outward rotation.
• Teres minor tendonitis cause swelling of teres minor tendon which helps in arm adduction.
• Subscapularis tendonitis is causing inflammation of subscapularis tendon which helps in rotation of arm in inward direction.
| Stages |
|---|
• First stage is mild which is inflammation stage in which patient feels swelling,pain lasting up to 2 weeks.
• Second stage is moderate stage which is degenerative stage in which clicking and snapping sounds are heard and tendon weakness and degeneration occurs which last from weeks to months.
• Third stage is severe in which tendon completely or partially rupture which needs surgical treatment.
| Treatment |
|---|
• Resting and icing.
• Physiotherapy.
• Pain and swelling management by using medicine.
• Corticosteroid intravenous injections for reducing inflammation.
• Surgical treatment for tendon rupture.
| Physical examination and assessment |
|---|
• Doctor will examine shoulder visually and through palpation for checking patient redness, swelling and deformity sign.
• Doctor will assess ROM of shoulder and check if any movement is limited.
• Doctor will check overall strength of shoulder including muscles included in rotator cuff.
• Doctor will palpate shoulder for identification of tenderness or pain at that area.
| Imaging tests |
|---|
• X-rays are important for checking fracture of bone or arthritis presence.
• MRI is important for diagnosis of rotator cuff tendonitis because it examine soft tissues.
• Ultrasound is useful for evaluation of rotator cuff tendons as well as tissues surrounding them.
| Special tests |
|---|
• Neer test include flexion of shoulder of patient for assessing impingement of tendons of rotator cuff muscles.
• Hawkins kennedy test is including flexion and internal rotation of shoulder of patient for assessments of impingement of tendons of rotator cuff.
• Empty can test includes abduction of shoulder of patient for assessing of weakness and pain in the supraspinatus muscle.onitis and assess the extent of tendon damage.
| Differential diagnosis |
|---|
• Rotator cuff tear.
• Shoulder impingement syndrome.
• Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis.
• Osteoarthritis.
| Diagnostic criteria |
|---|
| Physical examination and assessment | 30% |
|---|---|
| Special tests | 40% |
| Imaging tests | 30% |
https://youtube.com/shorts/a3wgQAByooU?si=cDte42lzd605uQ6m
| Scapular squeeze |
|---|
https://youtube.com/shorts/K2f5xWXFgqw?si=vdvvEgsrBDFeL6KU
| Shoulder isometrics |
|---|
https://youtube.com/shorts/IZg7926cErc?si=my1_aA52meKZZFBi
| Cross body shoulder stretching |
|---|
I am performing cross body shoulder stretches, shoulder isometrics as well as scapular squeeze and all these exercises I find out effective but as usual strengthening exercise was that I like the most and it's shoulder isometrics while I also feel out visible increase in flexibility of my shoulder muscles while performing cross body shoulder stretches.
Thank you for understanding the lesson and sharing your assignment; I hope that you will enjoy this week's lesson and try to implement it in your life if you see any such case.
Observations
Task 1 (3/3)
You have shared a great knowledge about rotator cuff tendonitis, its symptoms, causes and it's stages. I appreciate your effort.
Task 2 (2.8/3)
In the second question, you tell us about how you have to assess a patient by doing physical examination, history taking, special tests and investigations. But it would be better to add explanation of special tests like how to perform them on the patient. Great.
Task 3 (3.8/4)
You try the cross body shoulder stretch, shoulder isometric and scapula squeeze. You did the cross body shoulder stretch, shoulder isometric correctly. But it would be better to perform the scapula squeeze in better light and more prominent. Always remember to apply heat pack in chronic condition and ice pack in acute condition before performing exercises to relax the muscles and reduce stiffness. I appreciate your efforts.
Overall you made a great attempt to answer all the questions. I appreciate your efforts. But next time try to avoid the above written suggestions. Keep learning and try to implement your knowledge to the people suffering from rotator cuff tendonitis or any type of shoulder issue. Thank you.