Tendinitis and Bursitis
Shoulder and rotator cuff inflammation
Bursitis and tendinitis in the shoulder are two different conditions, both relating to shoulder inflammation. In many cases, the two conditions occur alongside each other.
Tendinitis occurs when tendons in the shoulder become inflamed and sore from being pinched by other shoulder parts. This often happens due to overuse.
Bursitis occurs when a similar thing happens to the bursa, the small fluid-filled sac that cushions and protects the shoulder joint. This may be caused by repeated overhead arm movements (such as those made by bowling overarm or in manual labour), and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
What to expect after
tendinitis and bursitis surgery
Most patients remain in hospital overnight after their shoulder surgery, though same-day discharge may be possible depending on the procedure performed.
Immediately after surgery, you will be advised to keep your shoulder in a sling to reduce pain and let the surgical site rest. Frequently applying cold packs to the area will help reduce your pain and swelling, as well as taking over-the-counter painkillers. Your shoulder surgeon may also prescribe stronger pain relievers for early recovery.
Waiting for a tendon to heal can take a significant amount of time, though smaller procedures such as debridement carry far faster recovery times than larger tendon repairs. Similarly, recovering from bursectomy is far quicker than recovering from larger and more invasive procedures on the rotator cuff.
In most cases, you may resume regular activities with pain permitting around a week after surgery. You will be advised to adopt a physiotherapy regimen at this time to promote better healing and long-term results.
Returning to work after shoulder surgery
To minimise disappointment, we recommend you discuss a return-to-work plan with your surgeon and your employer, prior to your surgery. The use of a sling will depend on the steps involved in your procedure. Most key-hole surgical procedures, do not require a patient to use a sling post-operatively. If a tendon of the rotator cuff has been repaired, it is often recommended use a sling for two to eight weeks following surgery. The use of a sling and the duration of use, will depend on the procedure you have undergone. Often, light, modified duties with limited weight-bearing, can be performed after your two-week follow-up at the Adelaide Shoulder and Upper Limb Clinic. However, heavy lifting or activities that place stress on the shoulder, should be avoided for 6 to 8 weeks, to protect your repair and help promote healing.
Driving after rotator cuff surgery
An orthopaedic surgeon who will give the best care possible.
It is normal to want to get back into your usual routine as soon as possible after surgery. However, it is important to wait until you are safely able to drive before returning to driving after rotator cuff surgery. Your own post-surgery wellbeing, as well as the safety of others on the road, could be at risk if you choose to drive too soon.
Adelaide orthopaedic surgeons at ASULC recommend waiting a suitable time after your shoulder procedure before driving – Additional information on safe return to driving can be found at www.jmclean.com.au/driving/ or on the ASULC youtube channel.
To avoid disappointment, please discuss your individual situation and expected recovery milestones with your surgeon prior to your scheduled surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tendinitis and bursitis are both shoulder inflammation conditions that can cause shoulder pain and stiffness. If you’re needing shoulder pain treatment in Adelaide, look no further than the orthopaedic surgeons at Adelaide Shoulder and Upper Limb Clinic, who specialise in minimally-invasive (key hole) surgery for conditions such as tendinitis and bursitis.
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