Supraspinatus Tear

The supraspinatus is a muscle that is located in the shoulder and is one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff. A supraspinatus tear is a tear or rupture of the tendon that attaches the supraspinatus muscle to the top of the shoulder bone.

A supraspinatus tear can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

1. Overuse or repetitive strain on the shoulder
2. Trauma or injury to the shoulder, such as a fall or direct blow
3. Age-related wear and tear on the tendon
4. Degenerative conditions such as tendinitis or bursitis

The symptoms of a supraspinatus tear can include:

1. Pain in the shoulder: Pain may be felt at the front or side of the shoulder, and may be worsened by movements such as lifting or reaching.

2. Weakness in the shoulder: A tear in the supraspinatus muscle can cause weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift or carry objects.

3. Limited range of motion: A person with a supraspinatus tear may have difficulty moving their arm, especially when trying to lift it above shoulder level.

4. Shoulder stiffness: Stiffness in the shoulder joint is another common symptom of a supraspinatus tear.

Treatment options may include:

1. Rest and activity modification: Resting the shoulder and avoiding activities that worsen the symptoms can help reduce pain and prevent further damage to the muscle.

2. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach exercises to help strengthen the muscles in the shoulder and improve range of motion.

3. Pain management: Over-the-counter pain medications or prescription painkillers can help manage pain and inflammation.

4. Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint.