Current and future advances in practice: tendinopathies of the shoulder

Littlewood, Chris; Moffatt, Maria; Maher, Natasha; Irving, Greg

Abstract

Tendinopathies of the shoulder are a burdensome problem. Current treatments include exercise, physical therapies, corticosteroid injections, and surgery. However, the clinical outcomes from randomised controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions are largely unremarkable. Given the apparent lack of progress in improving clinical outcomes for patients, it is appropriate to consider other avenues. Research has identified a link between lifestyle-related modifiable risk factors including smoking, overweight, physical inactivity, and the onset and persistence of tendinopathies of the shoulder. Further research is required to understand whether addressing these factors results in better clinical outcomes for patients. Teachable moments and shared decision-making are concepts that could enable clinicians to integrate the assessment and management of these lifestyle factors. Given these lifestyle factors also increase the risk of developing other common morbidities, including cardiovascular disease, an evolution of routine clinical care in this way could represent an important step forward.

Citation

Littlewood, C., Moffatt, M., Maher, N., & Irving, G. (2023). Current and future advances in practice: tendinopathies of the shoulder. Rheumatology Advances in Practice, 7(3), Article rkad086. https://doi.org/10.1093/rap/rkad086

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 28, 2023
• Publication Date: Oct 25, 2023
• Deposit Date: Nov 15, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 15, 2024
• Journal: Rheumatology Advances in Practice
• Print ISSN: 2514-1775
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 3
• Article Number: rkad086
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/rap/rkad086
• Keywords: tendinopathy, shoulder, rotator cuff, exercise, rehabilitation, corticosteroid, surgery, risk factors, lifestyle, review, smoking, adrenal corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, life style, surgical procedures, operative, mineralocorticoids, shoulder region, overweight, shared decision making