Ways to manage calcific shoulder tendinitis
You may need to undergo a thorough examination to ascertain the level of severity and the condition of your muscles as well as the flexibility of the affected shoulder joint.
Advertisement
Rehabilitation of your shoulder is dependent upon the findings obtained during the assessment. Some individuals may undergo surgery and physiotherapy begins after that.
Physiotherapy aids in relaxing and stretching any tightness in the muscles around the shoulder joint, improving your posture and strengthening the shoulder muscles to improve the pain and your functional abilities.
The main aims of therapy include:
• Education to prevent re-injury of the shoulder
• Improving the range of movement of the shoulder.
• Improving the strength of the shoulder muscles
• Restore functional activities
An individualised programme which addresses the various aims of therapy is developed and began as soon as possible to prevent stiffness in the affected shoulder.
However, therapy is commenced with caution to protect the shoulder from re-injury and allow for proper healing of the shoulder joint.
Education
The physiotherapist makes enquiries about your everyday activities and makes the necessary changes to reduce the stress on your shoulder joint.
These changes may include the manner in which you sit or stand to reduce the pain in the affected shoulder joint.
Adopting a poor posture usually worsens the pain and further places a strain on the muscles of your upper back and neck.
Corrections to your posture play an effective role in reducing pain and preventing complications or re-injury.
After surgery, the individual may also use a sling in the initial stages in order to provide the required support and protect the shoulder joint.
Therapeutic exercise
Exercises begin with the physiotherapist assisting you to move your arm through the different ranges of movements at the shoulder joint.
Eventually when the pain decreases substantially, you would be required to move your arm on your own with simple movements and slowly progress with the exercise as the condition of the shoulder joint improves but care is taken to prevent re-injury.
The muscles around the shoulder joint permit various movements. These muscles assist with improving the stability of the shoulder joint and the exercises aids in reducing the pressure/ stress around the joint.
Strengthening exercises improve the strength and control of the shoulder blade muscles. Strengthening of the muscles around the shoulder joint and shoulder blade also assists in keeping the movements of the joint smooth.
The exercise regime is intended to promote or restore functional ability so that you may return to work or sports activities. The exercises improve the condition of your affected shoulder joint and allow you to move your arm without placing too much stress on it.
When you begin the exercises you may have slight discomfort but should not experience pain.
• Lie on a bed or lean with your back against the wall. Place both arms by your side and bend your affected arm at your elbow so that your forearm is at right angles or 90 degress with your body.
Gently move your forearm to touch the bed or wall and hold the position for 15-20 seconds and relax. Repeat as often as you can throughout the day.
• Stand close to a table and place the unaffected arm on it. Lean forwards besides the table and allow your affected arm or fingers to point downwards.
Gently swing your arm forwards and backwards as often as you can tolerate. Relax and repeat throughout the day. You may also move your arm sideways and in circular motions (clockwise and anticlockwise). Repeat as often as you can throughout the day.
• You may lie down or take a seat in a comfortable chair. Gently lift both hands and place your hands behind your head. Try to bring your elbows together in front of you and hold the position for 10 -15 seconds.
Relax and allow your elbows to point sideways, hold the position briefly and relax. Ensure that you clasp your hands at the back of our head throughout the exercise.
Repeat as often as you can throughout the day.