“Tennis shoulder” describes a range of shoulder issues commonly experienced by individuals engaging in repetitive arm movements. While often associated with racket sports like tennis, this condition can affect anyone whose activities involve frequent overhead motions.
Understanding Tennis Shoulder
“Tennis shoulder” is a broad term encompassing several shoulder injuries, primarily rotator cuff tendinopathy (inflammation or degeneration of its tendons) and shoulder impingement (pinching of these tendons or the bursa). These conditions often arise from overuse or strain on the tissues around the shoulder joint.
The shoulder joint is a complex ball-and-socket structure, with stability and movement provided by the rotator cuff. This group includes four muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor. Their tendons attach these muscles to the upper arm bone (humerus), allowing for rotation and lifting motions. A fluid-filled sac called the bursa also helps reduce friction within the joint.
Common symptoms of tennis shoulder include pain, particularly with overhead movements or at night. Individuals may also experience weakness, limited range of motion, stiffness, or a clicking or popping sensation in the shoulder. Pain often radiates to the outer part of the upper arm and can worsen when reaching behind the back.
The condition frequently results from repetitive overhead activities, not exclusively tennis, but also sports like swimming, baseball, or occupations such as painting. Poor technique, muscle imbalances, insufficient warm-up routines, and general overuse contribute to the development of these injuries. Over time, repeated stress can lead to irritation and inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, potentially progressing to tears.
Diagnosing and Treating Tennis Shoulder
Diagnosing tennis shoulder begins with a physical examination by a healthcare professional. This assessment includes evaluating the shoulder’s range of motion and strength, and observing how specific movements affect pain. Imaging tests such as X-rays may be performed to rule out bone-related problems, while an MRI can provide detailed images of soft tissue damage like tendons and bursae.
Most cases of tennis shoulder respond well to non-surgical treatments for inflammation and healing. Initial approaches often involve rest from aggravating activities, applying ice to the affected area, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to manage pain and swelling. Physical therapy is a cornerstone of recovery, focusing on strengthening shoulder muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting posture to restore normal function.
If conservative methods do not provide sufficient relief, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce localized inflammation and pain. For severe or persistent cases, especially for significant tears or structural issues unresponsive to other treatments, surgical options like rotator cuff repair or acromioplasty for impingement may be recommended. Early intervention and consistent adherence to a rehabilitation program are important for achieving effective recovery and preventing long-term complications.