The supraspinatus muscle is a small yet vital muscle located at the top of the shoulder blade. The tendon that runs along the shoulder blade and inserts into the bone near the top of the arm is called the supraspinatus tendon. Like everything in the body, the supraspinatus tendon performs an important function. This muscle is one of four other muscles known as the rotary cuff muscles and is responsible for the movement of the arm. Unfortunately the supraspinatus tendon tear is very common and affects millions of Americans every year.
While most of us think that this kind of tear is normally caused by sports injuries in reality, it is more often caused due to the gradual wear and tear of muscles with age. The supraspinatus tendon helps the arm move sideways and on top thus being of assistance when one wants to throw something. The supraspinatus tendon tear causes a pain that normally presents in the form of a sharp ache in the shoulder and restricts the arm’s upward movement. The pain caused by this tear is particularly painful and can often feel like it is origination from the elbow region and even the wrist region.
A supraspinatus tendon tear makes moving one’s arm sideways, upwards or even backwards becomes particularly painful. Thankfully, there is a definite cure for this kind of injury. However, once torn the probability of this hurting again is extremely high. Something as trivial as sleeping on your side can then cause this injury to act up again. Normally, diagnosis of this tear is done after a doctor’s physical exam and X-ray. When one suffers from supraspinatus tendon tear it is a good idea to immediately put some ice on the tendon.
This is a good form of first aid and in the case of a minor supraspinatus tendon tear, if repeated every 2 hours it might cure the tear. If there is a partial tear in the tendon. The doctor often advises the patient to put their arm in a sling or cast to make sure the shoulder is immobilised for a few days. Once the sling is taken off, the patient is advised to undertake certain basic exercises to help cure the arm. Surgeries are rarely recommended for this kind of tear and in most cases simple physical therapy can yield the right results. Recovery from a supraspinatus tendon tear can take up to several months.