Shoulder pain can be quite an uncomfortable experience, especially when it seems to be unrelenting. One possible culprit for shoulder pain is rotator cuff tendinopathy. It’s common among people who perform repetitive lifting motions or engage in overhead activities. It can be a painful condition, one that encompasses varying stages. This post will offer insight into the different rotator cuff tendinopathy stages.
Stage 1: In the first stage, the tendon exhibits early signs of wear and tear. There’s no inflammation yet visible on diagnostic scans, but some individuals may experience rotator cuff tendinopathy symptoms that are mildly discomforting. With appropriate treatment, this stage can be reversible. Treatments may include rest, ice, physiotherapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
Stage 2: This stage includes damage to the rotator cuff tendon from repetitive motion, leading to an eventual breakdown of the tissue. There will be noticeable inflammation, swelling, and pain during this stage of tendinopathy. Depending on the severity of the condition, conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, physiotherapy, or chiropractic care may be able to address the issue.
Stage 3: Tendinopathy has progressed to the third stage when tendon degeneration occurs, leading to a possible part or full-thickness detachment of the rotator cuff. This phase presents severe pain and weakness in the shoulder, even leading to movement limitation. Surgical intervention may be necessary to restore a complete range of motion to the shoulder.
Stage 4: In this stage, there is a complete detachment of the rotator cuff tendon from the bone, producing pain and functional limitations. Patients may complain of night pain and sleep disturbances in this stage. This stage of rotator cuff tendinopathy often requires surgery, combined with a rehabilitation program to restore normal function.
Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common cause of shoulder pain, and understanding the progression of this condition is essential in managing and treating it. For early stages, conservative treatment options such as physiotherapy and chiropractic care can be effective. Still, as the condition progresses to more severe stages, surgery and rehabilitation will be necessary. Since there are different rotator cuff tendinopathy triggers for each stage, it is even more vital to have a healthcare professional’s help in recovery. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, it’s essential to get a proper diagnosis to find the appropriate treatment plan for your condition. Speak to a medical professional regarding your symptoms to get appropriate care.
