Supraspinatus Tendinopathy

Supraspinatus Tendinopathy

The rotator cuff consists of four major muscles of the scapula including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and Teres Minor. The supraspinatus lies anteriorly to the scapula and holds the humerus in place to keep the shoulder joint stable. Supraspinatus tendinopathy is the most commonly injured tendon overlying the shoulder joint and can either be brought on by a traumatic injury or degeneration of the tendon. Common risk factors for sustaining this type of injury consists of a prior history of trauma, age, overuse of the shoulder and shoulder arthritis/ Instability

Signs and symptoms include:

Non-traumatic onset

Pain in upper arm overlying shoulder joint exacerbated (worsened) by overhead activities

Pain at night lying on affected shoulder

Weakness and a sensation of heaviness

Unable to fasten seatbelt and a loss of major shoulder movements (unable to flex and abduct the arm)

Management

For complete tears of the supraspinatus tendon, surgery is the only intervention used in the healing process; However for partial and degenerative tears, conservative care with rest and rehabilitation has been found to be very effective. If the tendinopathy isn’t improving, surgical injections may be required to repair the tissue. To speed up the recovery process and bring patients back to normal functioning of the shoulder joint in the quickest amount of time, cold laser therapy (low-level laser therapy) is exactly what you’re after. As supraspinatus tendinopathy is usually brought on by a poor blood supply to the shoulder joint, cold laser therapy is a perfect treatment option for this condition.

Cold laser therapy, also referred to as low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive technique option meaning it doesn’t cause any damage to the skins surface via any needles. Its latest technology allows the device to penetrate into those deep underlying tissues to aid in the repair at a much faster rate than many other treatment options. Cold laser therapy is perfect in the treatment of many muscular conditions including supraspinatus tendinopathy, as it reduces any inflammation present and allows blood and oxygen to flow to the affected area to heal and repair the damaged tissues.

Protocol

Treatment of supraspinatus tendinopathy by cold laser therapy (low level laser therapy) utilises two protocols in the healing of the condition. The initial phase is designed to reduce pain of the shoulder joint and increase strength to the area and involves 2-3 sessions per week of 5-10 minutes duration and follows a decade rule (every 10 years of age, 1 session is required e.g. 40 years equals 4 sessions). The secondary phase, known as the tissue repair protocol consists of 1-2 treatments per week with a total of 10-15 sessions to gain the maximal effect of the cold laser therapy. This phase encourages the circulation of blood and oxygen to the working tissues and the reduction of any inflammation present for a rapid regrowth of the tendon tear.

Cold laser therapy is a fast and effective alternative treatment option that many medical professions use in the repair of supraspinatus tendinopathy. The treatment is completely painless and doesn’t expose the patient to any health risks as the laser doesn’t produce any heat from the laser beam. So if you struggling to complete daily functions requiring repetitive movement of the shoulder joint or you have sustained a supraspinatus tear as detailed by your doctor, cold laser therapy (low-level laser therapy) is ideal for your situation. Cold Laser therapy allows normal functioning to occur at the shoulder joint by restoring the damaged tissues.

At Lakeside Laser in Joondalup we offer cold laser therapy for many muscular conditions. Situated on the Central Walk in Joondalup, Lakeside Laser has many visitors from mainly northern suburbs in Perth. These consist of Hillarys, Hocking, Mullaloo, Tapping, Burns Beach, Iluka, Currambine, Sinagra Quinn’s Rock, Beldon, Padbury, Yokine, and Craigie. We have HICAPS onsite, so you can claim from your Health Fund on the day of treatment. Health Funds available for claiming include Medibank, HBF, Bupa, CU Health, NIB, Police Health Fund, GMF, SGIO, if yours is not listed please ask. We’re Medibank and BUPA providers, so customers will receive a discounted rate when presenting these cards. If you would like to seek advice about your condition, don't hesitate to contact us on 9300 0095, or visit our website www.lakesidechiro.com.au to make a booking.