Rotator Cuff Tendinitis, Advanced Muscle Pain in the Shoulder

There are many causes of pain in the shoulder, one of which is Rotator Cuff Tendinitis. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis which is an inflammation of the rotator cuff tendon which consists of four shoulder muscles due to Shoulder Impingement Syndrome that is not treated properly. If the shoulder already has Rotator Cuff Tendinitis but is still left alone, then the risk of experiencing a Rotator Cuff Tear becomes high.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to distinguish Rotator Cuff Tendinitis from shoulder pain in general if only through the symptoms or pain that appears, so it requires further examination by an expert and should not be self-diagnosed. However, you can still do prevention and first aid on your painful shoulder. Here is some information about Rotator Cuff Tendinitis that you need to understand!

A.  Triggers of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

As explained earlier, Shoulder Impingement Syndrome can develop into Rotator Cuff Tendinitis if not treated immediately. This is where chronic inflammation of the rotator cuff tendon occurs, leaving the tendon weakened and prone to injury. In addition, inflammation disrupts the blood supply to the tendons, slowing down the healing process. Damage to the shoulder muscles can worsen if the sufferer is still doing strenuous and repetitive activities without resting. Furthermore, if tendinitis is still ignored, the tendon can be partially or completely torn, causing more severe pain, significant weakness, and further limiting shoulder motion.

B. Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Common symptoms that may indicate Rotator Cuff Tendinitis include:

1. The pain that arises inside the shoulder is like being hit by a blunt object;
2. The shoulder become stiff and difficult to move, especially when trying to touch the back of the head or back;
3. The shoulder feels sharply painful and weak when rotated, lifted or lowered;
4. There is a crunching sensation when the shoulder is moved in certain positions;
5. There is a "clicking" sound when using the shoulder;
6. Pain may radiate from the front to the side of the shoulder;
7. The appearance of swelling in the area in front of the shoulder;
8. Severe pain may interfere with sleep; and
9. It is difficult to perform sports activities, such as throwing a baseball, spinning a tennis ball, turning or hitting a volleyball, and swinging your arms forward while swimming.

C.  Tips to Prevent and Manage Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

1. Pay attention to your posture when sitting, standing or walking. Poor posture when sitting, standing or walking can trigger pain in the shoulders that are trying to support and maintain the balance of the body.
2. Do not carry or rest heavy loads on one shoulder or lift heavy objects above the head. Instead, lift heavy objects as close to the body as possible.
3. Stretch your muscles every day in your spare time. Stretching can increase flexibility and joint range of motion, returning muscles to their original size and position. Stretching also improves blood circulation to the muscles and brings nutrients and oxygen needed to repair and strengthen muscles. This can help prevent injuries, improve posture and enhance athletic performance.
4. Pay attention to the position of your body when sleeping so as not to overlap one side for too long. If your shoulder is already painful, it's best to sleep on your back and not on your sore shoulder.
5. Give your sore shoulder muscles a break from repetitive motion and overexertion.
6. Take a bath or shower in warm water as this can help relax the shoulder muscles and reduce pain.
7. Use the RICE method as first aid for your painful shoulder with arm, namely:
   • Rest (R): Rest your shoulder and arm muscles and use them less.
   • Ice (I): Chill your painful shoulder and arm with ice for 20 minutes to reduce pain and inflammation.
   • Compress (C): Wrap your shoulder and arm to restrict blood flow.
   • Elevate (E): Position your affected shoulder and arm higher than the rest of the shoulder and arm. Do not let your shoulder and arm be crushed so that blood does not flow to the injured area.
8. Immediately check your shoulder if you have pain to PH Remedial Massage Indonesia! Get a Remedial Massage treatment and consultation so that your muscles can return to their normal position and shape. Schedule your visit to PH Remedial Massage Indonesia by contacting our WhatsApp: 08111338137 now!

By: Rastianta Rinandani and Glen Stevano Tanihatu

Source:

• https://hellosehat.com/muskuloskeletal/tulang-sendi-lainnya/nyeri-rotator-cuff/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322169
• https://www.healthline.com/health/rotator-cuff-tendinitis
• https://www.freepik.com/