A Quick Guide to Shoulder Tendons
Tendons attach muscles to bone and there are several different shoulder tendons which affect muscle movement. The most prominent and those most apt to be injured are the tendons that connect the biceps and the rotator cuff to the shoulder. These shoulder tendons are used in just about every movement of the shoulder.
The biceps has two shoulder tendons. They are simply named the Long Head and the Short Head. It is the Long Head which is most apt to be injured or to cause shoulder pain. The Long Head is located on the front and top of the shoulder socket (the glenoid) and follows a path, known as the biceps groove, to the biceps muscle. The Short Head is attached at the coracoid on the front of the shoulder blade.
The biceps shoulder tendons not only aid in shoulder movement but also help to bend the elbow, where a third tendon attaches. As we age, tendons can undergo a degenerative process, particularly among those people who are sedentary. This can lead to biceps injuries. So can overuse and any kind of blow to the shoulder, such as being in an accident or suffering a fall. Rotator cuff injuries can also involve the biceps tendons.
Biceps tendonitis is common and is treated with rest, ice and anti-inflammatories. Sometimes physical therapy is needed to restore shoulder motion. Surgery is an option if the Long Head should become torn or ruptured. This is done arthroscopically.
The rotator cuff has four tendons which connect shoulder muscles (at the scapula) to the humerus, or upper arm bone. These tendons are the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor. The rotator cuff is what enables the arm to rotate and it provides stability to the shoulder Most often, if a tear occurs, it is in the supraspinatus muscle.
Shoulder tendons are prone both to traumatic injuries and degenerative ones. Falling on your arm can cause a rotator cuff tear as can several types of sports movements. A rotator cuff tear was once thought of as a baseball pitcher’s injury, but it can affect anyone who engages in an activity with repetitive shoulder motion. People who work overhead are also very susceptible to rotator cuff injuries.
The best way to know if you have torn rotator cuff or shoulder tendons is to see if any of these symptoms apply: pain when lifting your arm, weakness when rotating or trying to lift your arm, and pain when lowering your arm. Sometimes, with an acute injury, you might even hear a snap when the tendon tears. You would then feel immediate pain and weakness in the arm and shoulder.
Many times rotator cuff surgery is not needed. In these cases, rest is recommended as well as possible anti-inflammatories or a steroid injection. Physical therapy is usually always recommended whether or not you have surgery. In cases where a tear is evident, surgery is often needed to repair the tear. This can help relieve the pain and eventually allow you to once again strengthen the muscles in your shoulder.
The rotator cuff and biceps shoulder tendons are more susceptible to injury because there is less blood flow to this area of the shoulder. Other conditions can also cause pain such as tendonitis--inflammation of the tendons, bursitis, dislocations or a frozen shoulder. Arthritis can also be a problem because the shoulder joint can lose cartilage.
If you are having shoulder pain, visit a medical professional right away to get an accurate diagnosis. Waiting can cause a continuing loss of shoulder movement and strength, which is difficult to regain.