Shoulder Tendinitis
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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What Is Shoulder Tendinitis?
Shoulder tendinitis or supraspinatus tendinopathy is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons and the resulting pain in the shoulder area.
In the shoulder, the supraspinatus tendon and the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii are more commonly affected by tendinitis, resulting in pain and stiffness.
What Causes Shoulder Tendinitis?
The most common causes are the following:
- Frequent and continuous strain on the shoulder
- Intense and repetitive athletic activity
- Poor technique during sports activities
- Anatomical factors. The supraspinatus tendon passes beneath a bone – the acromion. If the acromion protrudes excessively, the supraspinatus tendon constantly rubs beneath it and, as a result, becomes more susceptible to developing tendinitis.
Symptoms of Shoulder Tendinitis
The most common symptoms are:
Pain on the front or outer aspect of the shoulder. The pain may radiate as far as the elbow, as well as to the neck and back. Shoulder pain usually develops gradually and worsens over time.
Night pain that wakes the patient, especially if they sleep on the affected shoulder
Severe and persistent pain even when the shoulder is not moving
Weakness of the upper limb
The patient cannot easily raise the arm fully (stiffness)
Diagnosis
A patient with shoulder tendinitis requires assessment by a specialist Shoulder Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you. An X-ray will be required to confirm that the pain and stiffness are not due to shoulder osteoarthritis or other conditions (such as calcific tendinitis). Dr Leonidou will perform an ultrasound scan of the area to assess the integrity of the tendon and the possible presence of fluid and/or calcifications. In some cases, the doctor will refer you for an MRI scan of the shoulder.
Conservative Treatment of Shoulder Tendinitis
The initial treatment of shoulder tendinitis is conservative and includes the following:
Rest and activity modification
Ice therapy
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Physiotherapy and a home exercise programme. The exercises aim to reduce pain and restore range of motion.
Cortisone injection alone or in combination with autologous healing factors (biological therapies).
Conservative treatment has high success rates, with 70% of patients making a full recovery.
Exercises for Shoulder Tendinitis
Under the supervision of a physiotherapist and the guidance of the doctor, the most common exercises for the rehabilitation of tendinitis are: isometric shoulder exercises, forward flexion and abduction, rotational movements, stretching, followed by strengthening with resistance bands and weights. See the relevant videos on our website.
Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatment fails, shoulder arthroscopy offers a definitive solution with excellent functional outcomes. Shoulder arthroscopy involves 3 incisions, each 4 millimetres long. Through these incisions, a camera with cold light and various instruments are inserted into the shoulder. Dr Leonidou will clean the inflamed tissues above the tendon and remove any excess bone that is compressing the tendon (acromioplasty). During the operation, he will also repair any other damage that may be present in the shoulder (such as a tendon tear). The anaesthesia is regional-local only, and the patient remains awake – if they wish – during the operation. The technique of shoulder arthroscopy without general anaesthesia is being performed for the first time in Greece by Dr Leonidou’s team. Hospitalisation is not required, and the patient is discharged from the hospital a few hours after the operation.
Interview with the Doctor about Calcific Tendinitis
How Successful Is Surgery for Shoulder Tendinitis?
Arthroscopic treatment of shoulder tendinitis is a safe and bloodless procedure with extremely low complication rates and excellent functional outcomes. After the operation, the patient wears a sling for a few days and, within one week, can regain a significant degree of their daily activities. The success rate is over 90–95%.
The detailed postoperative instructions significantly contribute to a proper recovery.
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What is the cost of surgery?
The cost is quite affordable and depends on the complexity of the patient’s condition and the special materials that need to be used. The cost of the procedure includes the arthroscopic materials, hospital stay expenses, and the surgical team’s fees. The patient’s public insurance fund (EOPYY) also contributes to the cost. Patients with private health insurance are covered according to the terms of their insurance policy. For more information, please contact us.
If you also suffer from shoulder tendinitis, consult the specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad, including serving as a Director at a University Hospital, and specialises in shoulder arthroscopy.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.