supraspinatus tendinitis

what is supraspinatus tendinosis?

Supraspinatus tendinosis—sometimes called supraspinatus tendinitis or painful arc syndrome—is a common shoulder issue that results from irritation or degeneration of the supraspinatus tendon. This tendon plays a key role in lifting the arm to the side, and when it becomes inflamed or damaged, it can cause pain, limited mobility, and weakness.

supraspinatus tendinosis vs. tendinopathy: what’s the difference?

Although the terms supraspinatus tendinitis and supraspinatus tendinopathy are sometimes used interchangeably, they’re not quite the same.

• Tendinitis refers to active inflammation in the tendon, typically caused by overuse or sudden injury. It usually responds well to rest and anti-inflammatory treatments.
• Tendinopathy is a broader term that includes chronic tendon injuries where the tendon may be degenerating without much inflammation. Treatment tends to focus more on rebuilding tendon strength and improving function over time.

symptoms of supraspinatus tendinosis

In the early stages, symptoms might be mild or only noticeable during specific activities. As the condition progresses, people often experience:

• Shoulder pain, especially at the top or front of the shoulder, sometimes radiating down the upper arm
• Painful arc, or pain during a specific part of arm movement—typically between 80° to 120° of sideways lifting
• Weakness in the arm or shoulder, particularly when lifting or reaching overhead
• Limited function, especially with activities above shoulder height
• Nighttime discomfort, especially when lying on the affected side
• Normal passive movement, meaning the shoulder can be moved through its full range with assistance, but active movement may be painful or limited

causes of supraspinatus tendinosis

Several factors can contribute to supraspinatus tendinosis:

• Repetitive overhead movements, like those in sports (tennis, swimming) or certain jobs (painting, construction)
• Heavy lifting, especially above shoulder height
• Poor posture, which can reduce the space where the tendon moves, increasing the chance of irritation
• Aging, as natural wear and tear narrows the subacromial space
• Injuries, such as a fall on an outstretched arm
• Structural issues, like bone spurs or abnormal shoulder anatomy that cause impingement
• Shoulder instability, where weak muscles allow too much movement in the joint, stressing the tendon

treatment options for supraspinatus tendinosis

Treatment typically starts with simple self-care, including:

• RICE method: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation
• Over-the-counter medications, such as NSAIDs, to reduce inflammation and pain
• Corticosteroid injections, if oral medications don’t provide enough relief

If symptoms persist, physiotherapy plays a key role in recovery. A physiotherapist can design a personalized program to reduce pain, restore movement, and build strength in the rotator cuff muscles. In more serious cases, especially where there’s a tear or long-standing tendon damage, surgery may be considered as a last resort.

why physiotherapy matters in supraspinatus tendinosis recovery

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat supraspinatus tendinosis. It helps by:

• Reducing pain through manual therapy, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation
• Improving mobility with gentle stretches and movement exercises
• Building strength in the shoulder muscles to support the tendon and prevent re-injury
• Correcting posture and teaching better movement habits
• Customizing care based on your lifestyle, severity of symptoms, and recovery goals

who’s at risk for supraspinatus tendinosis?

You’re more likely to develop supraspinatus tendinosis if you:

• Perform frequent overhead activities in sports or work
• Have poor posture or shoulder mechanics
• Are over 40, as age-related wear increases risk
• Have had a previous shoulder injury
• Live with conditions like diabetes
• Experience shoulder impingement due to bone spurs or instability

portea also offers

In addition to specialized sports hernia care, Portea provides a wide range of physiotherapy services to support various recovery needs:

• In-home physiotherapy for personalized, one-on-one treatment plans tailored to specific conditions and recovery goals.
• Online physiotherapy sessions for flexible, remote care guided by certified experts—ideal for those with busy schedules or limited mobility.
• Support for chronic pain, post-surgery rehabilitation, mobility enhancement, and strength training.

why choose portea?

Portea combines clinical expertise with convenience, offering care that fits into your lifestyle. Whether you need advanced physiotherapy, expert consultation, or real-time monitoring, our team ensures compassionate, goal-oriented support—all from the comfort of your home. With a focus on recovery, prevention, and long-term wellness, Portea stands as your trusted partner in health.

faqs 

1. How is supraspinatus tendinitis diagnosed?

Doctors typically begin with a physical exam and medical history, followed by imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI to check for inflammation, tears, or narrowing in the shoulder space.

2. Can a supraspinatus tendon tear be prevented?

While you can’t eliminate all risk, strengthening your shoulder muscles, maintaining good posture, and using proper technique during sports or physical activity can greatly reduce your chances of injury.

3. How is a supraspinatus tendon tear treated?

Treatment usually starts with rest, ice, NSAIDs, and physical therapy. If these don’t help, corticosteroid injections or surgery might be necessary depending on the severity of the tear.

4. Is surgery always needed for supraspinatus tendinosis?

No. Most people recover with non-surgical treatments. Surgery is only recommended if pain persists or if there is significant structural damage.

5. Why is physical therapy so important for supraspinatus tendinosis?

It addresses the root causes—like weakness, poor posture, or movement habits—and helps restore full function without relying on long-term medication or invasive procedures.