Supraspinatus tendon rupture | Supraspinatus tendon

Supraspinatus tendon rupture

A rupture of the supraspinatus tendon, which can also be described as a rotator cuff rupture, results in a sudden separation of the supraspinatus tendon from the muscle or in the tendon being severed in two halves. Although the tear occurs suddenly and usually after a jerky movement of the arm or after lifting a heavy load, an acute form is distinguished from a chronic form as the cause.In the acute form, if the tendon is completely intact, a sudden rupture of the tendon occurs due to a lifting movement that is too heavy or due to a wrong movement. In the chronic form, the muscle becomes weaker due to incorrect strain over many years with the resulting degeneration of the tendon.

In most cases, a heavy weight is no longer necessary before a tear occurs. The actual tear-off is associated with stabbing, severe pain, and sometimes there is also an immediate restriction of mobility in the area of the affected shoulder. In most cases, the treatment is surgical.

Sometimes also conservatively. Through an arthroscopic procedure, the two ends of the tendon are brought together again and sutured. Healing takes place over several weeks with follow-up treatment of the rotator cuff tear with physiotherapeutic force build-up.

Tap the supraspinatus tendon

The supraspinatus muscle belongs to the strong muscle group of the shoulder muscles and is responsible for the movement and stability of the upper arm in the shoulder joint. The tendon of the muscle runs between the head of the humerus and the acromion and encloses the head of the shoulder. Due to its tensing position, the supraspinatus tendon is particularly often affected by heavy strain and also degeneration.

One therapy for this resulting pain is physiotherapeutic taping of the area of the tendon. In this non-operative measure, an elastic adhesive tape (kinesiotape) is applied to the muscle of the supraspinatus muscle. If possible, the tape should be worn continuously over a period of several days. It acts as a passive muscle substitute and promotes stability in the shoulder joint, regulation of muscle tone, anti-inflammatory effects and reduction of swelling.