About this episode
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy 03:13 Understanding Shoulder Pain and Its Complexities 06:04 The Shift from Impingement to Rotator Cuff Related Pain 09:00 The Role of Imaging in Shoulder Pain Diagnosis 11:58 Common Mismanagement in Shoulder Pain Treatment 15:10 Loading Programs for Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation 18:04 Positional vs. Energy Storage Tendons 20:59 The Nature of Rotator Cuff Tears 24:07 The Tipping Point to Pain in Rotator Cuff Pathology 32:53 Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears 39:26 The Role of Exercise in Recovery 46:47 Pain Management and Rehabilitation Strategies 55:19 Exploring the Mechanisms of Tendon Pain 01:00:18 The Importance of Tendon Stiffness Takeaways Rotator cuff related shoulder pain accounts for 70-80% of shoulder pain presentations. Pain is complex and multifactorial, making diagnosis challenging. The traditional impingement model is being challenged in favor of a broader understanding of shoulder pain. Imaging often does not influence management decisions for rotator cuff issues. Corticosteroid injections provide only short-term relief and can have negative effects on tendon quality. Exercise-based management is crucial for effective rehabilitation of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff tendons are positional and strain less than energy storage tendons. Rotator cuff tears are common and can exist without pain or dysfunction. Age is the biggest risk factor for developing rotator cuff pathology. Understanding the tipping point to pain is essential for effective treatment. Rotator cuff tears are often associated with poor vascular supply and degeneration over time. Metabolic factors like diabetes and smoking can increase the risk of rotator cuff tears. Exercise can be as effective as surgery for massive rotator cuff tears. Expectations of recovery significantly influence rehabilitation outcomes. Education about the commonality of tendon tears can help reduce patient anxiety. Pain during exercise can be tolerated up to a certain level without adverse effects. Sleeping positions can impact shoulder pain and should be modified accordingly. Adjunct treatments like shockwave therapy and corticosteroids have limited long-term benefits. Tendon stiffness is important for efficient force transfer, but its role in pain management is still being studied. Understanding the psychological aspects of pain can enhance recovery from tendon injuries. Website: https://www.shoulderphysio.com Twitter: https://x.com/JaredPowell12 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoulder_physio/?hl=en Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-140-rotator-cuff-tendons-with-jared-powell/