Supraspinatus Tendon Tears in the Shoulder - Keys For Effective Management

One of the most commonly injured tendons in the shoulder complex is the supraspinatus tendon, which connects your supraspinatus muscle to your humerus. Like all tendon tears, a supraspinatus tendon tear can be partial or complete, and the extent of the damage will determine your best course of care. It is a condition we see frequently in our line of work, and it’s also a subject Dr. Reznik talks more about in his latest publication, The Knee & Shoulder Handbook. Below, we take a closer look at how supraspinatus tendon tears can be effectively treated.

Causes And Symptoms Of Supraspinatus Tendon Tears

Supraspinatus tendon tears can occur as a result of blunt trauma on the shoulder (acute damage) or they can develop more slowly over the course of a person’s life (degenerative damage). Common acute causes include falling with an outstretched arm, trauma during a high-energy collision like athletics or a car accident, or a tear when trying to lift a very heavy object. Oftentimes an acute tear is paired with additional shoulder damage, like a dislocated shoulder or a more extensive rotator cuff tear. Degenerative tears are more likely to present in isolation, and they are more common in older adults who have put more stress on their shoulders over decades of life.

Common symptoms of a supraspinatus tear include:

• Shoulder stiffness or mobility restrictions
• Pain when lifting or lowering your arm
• A burning or tingling sensation in the shoulder
• Difficulty laying on the side of the affected shoulder
• Shoulder weakness
• Difficulty performing certain daily tasks, like getting dressed.

Symptoms will also vary based on the underlying cause of your supraspinatus tear. Acute tears are typically accompanied by more intense symptoms, whereas a degenerative tear may lead to a gradual onset of symptoms that slowly worsen as time goes on.

Diagnosing And Treating Supraspinatus Tears

If you’re dealing with any of the above symptoms, you’ll want to connect with a shoulder specialist or at least begin taking some proactive care steps (again, the advice you’ll find in The Knee & Shoulder Handbook can expand on some of the topics we touch on in this blog). If you connect with a specialist, they’ll begin by asking about your symptoms and when pain first developed. They’ll also take a closer look at your shoulder and how it responds to certain movements or stimuli. Because a soft tissue tear can be difficult to pinpoint with the naked eye, oftentimes a clinical assessment concludes with an imaging exam like an MRI, ultrasound or X-ray (to rule out concerns with the bone).

For more mild tears, patients can oftentimes get by with the help of a combination of conservative techniques. Some of the most common treatments that your doctor may recommend will likely include a combination of:

• Rest and activity avoidance
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Guided physical therapy
• Gentle exercise and stretching
• Corticosteroid injections

For more significant tears, or for those that do not respond well to conservative treatment, surgery may end up being the best option. Surgery typically involves reattaching the torn tendon to the bone or transferring a healthy, nearby tendon to the area to replace the damaged tendon. Additional surgical intervention may be done if other soft tissues that make up the rotator cuff have been damaged and are lacking support to the shoulder joint.

You’ll follow many of the treatment protocols listed in the conservative care section during your recovery after surgery. The tendon tends to heal to the bone within 6-8 weeks, but complete recovery will take longer. Small tears can fully heal in about 4-6 months, while larger tears can take anywhere from 6-12 months. Your doctor will gradually clear you for different activities as you progress through your rehab, but oftentimes patients can return to most daily activities around the 12-week mark.

For more information about supraspinatus tendon tears or similar shoulder issues, reach out to Dr. Reznik and his team today.