Steemit Learning Challenge-S22W4; Rotator Cuff Tendonitis" by @rossnenye
| What's rotator cuff tendonitis? Write in your own words after getting knowledge from the lesson post. |
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Rotator cuff tendonitis is a type of Medical Condition that occurs when there is swelling/Inflammation of the Tendons around the Shoulder. The Rotator cuff consists of four muscles and they are, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, teres minor and Subscapularis and they all work together with Muscles and Tendons to bring about stability and
friction-free movement. And when these Muscles and Tendons are inflamed, it leads to Rotator Cuff Tendonitis.
| Causes of Rotator cuff tendonitis |
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- Overuse
The constant use of the Tendons for activities that involves lifting, painting, throwing etc causes constant strain in the Tendon which results to inflammation and therefore causes Rotator cuff tendonitis.
- Age related wear and tear
As we advance in age, the Rotator cuff Tendon is prone to to becoming weaker and has high chances of developing Rotator cuff tendonitis.
- Injury/ Trauma
Serious fall or Injury to the Shoulder can result to strain in the Rotator cuff Tendon, thereby resulting to Rotator cuff tendonitis.
- Poor posture
Maintaining bad posture when we're standing, sitting, walking can also cause wear or tear on the Rotator Cuff Tendon.
| Symptoms of Rotator cuff tendonitis |
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- Pain
The person feels pain and tenderness in the affected shoulder and the arm.
- *Weakness
The patient feels weakness due to reduced strength in the Shoulder.
- Limited motion
The patient also experiences difficulty in moving the Shoulder because of stiffness of the shoulder.
- Snapping sensation
Clicking or snapping sensation is felt when the patient moves the shoulder.
| Stages of Rotator cuff tendonitis |
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- Stage 1(Mild)
At this stage, the patient feels Inflammation and irritation in the Shoulder area.
- Stage 2(Moderate)
At this stage the patient feels a clicking or snapping sensation while performing a range of motion on the shoulder like flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. Also, there is a partial tear of the tendon, and tendon regeneration starts.
- Stage 3(Severe)
This stage is the last and most serious in Rotator Cuff Tendonitis in which a complete tear of the tendon occurs.
| How would you diagnose rotator cuff tendonitis? Any clinical investigation or assessment tests? ( Don't add treatment to this question) |
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Rotator Cuff Tendonitis diagnosis involves a lot of procedures and some of them includes the following.
- Patient History
The patient would be asked when he started noticing this pain and for how long. He would also be asked the part of the shoulder is feeling the pain. He would also be asked if he has been engaging in activities like throwing, painting that can cause repetitive use on the arm and trigger this Medical Condition. He would also be asked if he had any previous Injury or Trauma that can trigger this Medical Condition.
- Physical Examination
The Doctor will examine the patient's Shoulder strength, mobility and tenderness.
- Imaging Tests
Imaging Tests like Ultrasounds, MRI scan and X-ray can also be used for diagnosis. The explanation is as follows.
- X-ray
This test helps to shows the image of the bone, Incase of any spur, fracture, arthritis or Injury that can cause pain in the Shoulder.
- Ultrasound
This test makes use of sound waves to show the images of soft bone tissues.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
This test makes use of strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of soft tissues.
| Special Test |
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- Neer's test
This test is conducted to check the subacromial impingement. To perform this, the patient affected arm is brought to the head and the shoulder blade is pressed down. If pain is felt, then it shows that Rotator Cuff Tendonitis is positive.
- Yergason Test
This test is conducted to check the Biceps Tendon pathology or rear. In this exercise, the patient resists the attempt to rotate his Shoulder externally and if pain is felt, then Rotator Cuff Tendonitis is positive.
- Jobe's test
This test is conducted to assess the strength or tear of the Supraspinatus Tendon. To perform this, the patient's arm is raised up while resisting downward pressure and if pain is felt, then Rotator Cuff Tendonitis is positive.
- Speed test
This test is conducted to check the Biceps Tendon pathology or tear. To perform this, the patient's Elbow is stretched and then resisting upward movement of the arm. If the Patient feels pain on the Shoulder, then Rotator Cuff Tendonitis is positive.
- Hawkins Kennedy's test
To perform this test, the Patient's Elbow to Shoulder is kept at an angle 90°C and then inward rotation is done. If the patient feels pain, then Rotator Cuff Tendonitis is positive.
| Try to practice at least 3 exercises that you have learned from the lesson. Share images, gifs or videos while practicing preferably gifs or videos. |
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Before performing this exercises, I first of all applied a soft tissue mobilization using a soft tower moisturized with warm water to massage my shoulder inorder to relax my Shoulder Tendon and muscle and to avoid pain.
- Cross Body Shoulder Stretch
https://youtube.com/shorts/4L7UYO-oMFI?si=TlsdmbHIcUZnIQRc
To perform the exercise, I stood up straight and then brought my Right hand to cross over my left hand. I held on for about 5 seconds before exchanging and bringing my left hand to cross over my right hand. I held on for 5 seconds before releasing myself.
The exercise I perform in order to improve the shortened muscles lengthened due to pain. It helps to improve shoulder mobility and flexibility.
- Scapula Squeeze
https://youtube.com/shorts/oXxsdqh3rKQ?si=7lrO7RA8nV5roHfQ
This exercise is performed in a sitting position and In which the Patient squeezes the Scapula. It's performed to strengthen the Trapezium and rhomboid muscles.
- Shoulder Isometrics Exercises
These are resistance exercises in which we build the strength of Muscles of Shoulder joint.
| Share your review after performing these exercises either on yourself, a healthy individual or a patient. |
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Before performing the following exercises, I was feeling pain in my left Shoulder because of my bad sleeping posture yesterday night, but after the exercises, I felt a great relief. I also felt my upper region stretched and relaxed and I loved how I felt after performing the exercises.
Thanks for reading through my post, I invite @wilmer1988, @alyasa, @wuddi
Cc:
@ashkhan
My Twitter link
https://x.com/ezeobi_gab99917/status/1878549068319801536?t=610xlWtj4BKBRBlsgXCs5g&s=19
Thank you for understanding the lesson and sharing your assignment; I hope that you will enjoy this week's lesson and try to implement it in your life if you see any such case.
Observations
Task 1 (3/3)
You have shared a great knowledge about rotator cuff tendonitis, its symptoms, causes and it's stages. I appreciate your effort.
Task 2 (3/3)
In the second question, you tell us about how you have to assess a patient by doing physical examination, history taking, and investigations. That's good you add special tests and also explanation of both special tests and investigations. Excellent.
Task 3 (3.7/4)
You try the cross body shoulder stretch, shoulder isometric and scapula squeeze. You did the shoulder isometric and scapula squeeze correctly. But in cross body shoulder stretch you have to place to resistive hand near to elbow or upper arm for better stretch. Secondly hold all the positions for 5 to 10 seconds especially scapula squeeze. Always remember to apply heat pack in chronic condition and ice pack in acute condition before performing exercises to relax the muscles and reduce stiffness. I appreciate your efforts.
Overall you made a great attempt to answer all the questions. I appreciate your efforts. But next time try to avoid the above written suggestions. Keep learning and try to implement your knowledge to the people suffering from rotator cuff tendonitis or any type of shoulder issue. Thank you.