Prognosis for Supraspinatus Tendinitis

The National Institute of Heath says supraspinatus tendinitis (also known as rotator cuff tendinitis) is an inflammation of the tendons of the shoulder. Any kind of damage or irritation can cause harm to your rotator cuff muscles or tendons. The prognosis for rotator cuff tendinitis is very good and unless surgery is necessary complete recovery generally takes a a few weeks at most.

Causes

• According to the Mayo Clinic, your rotator cuff muscles and tendons help keep the ball of your upper arm bone securely fastened in your shoulder socket.

  A rotator cuff injury may be the result a fall, heavy lifting or overhead arm motions that are necessary for activities such as swimming, weight lifting, pitching a baseball or placing items on high shelves.

  People over age 40 are more susceptible to rotator cuff injuries.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis include pain, especially when moving your arm. The pain may be worse at night. You may also find it challenging to raise your arm about your head such as when combing hair or while attempting to grasp an item sitting on a high shelve.

Treatment

• In most cases, ice packs, rest and over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) will the ease the discomfort associated with rotator cuff tendinitis.

  If your pain is more severe, your doctor may inject corticosteroid that will also help to reduce inflammation.

  If cortisone and home remedies fail, your doctor may perform arthroscopic surgery. The operation creates additional room for the tendon in your shoulder.

Recovery

• In general, people make a complete recovery following home therapies and sometimes steroid injections

  When diagnosed early, rotator cuff tendinitis should clear-up in one to three weeks' time by adjusting your daily activities that will accommodate and pamper your temporarily disabled shoulder.

  Within one month, your injured shoulder should be fully functional.

Surgery Prognosis

• If arthroscopic surgery was performed, it will be six to twelve weeks before you will be able to resume sports or activities that require the physical exertion of your shoulder.

  For patients who suffer from tendinitis and a bone spur (a bony growth formed on normal bone), surgery is almost always able to fully bring their shoulder back to its pre-injury capabilities.