What is the Difference Between Supraspinatus Tendinitis and Frozen Shoulder?

Supraspinatus tendinitis and frozen shoulder are two different shoulder conditions that can cause pain and limited mobility. Here are the key differences between the two:

Supraspinatus Tendinitis:

• Involves inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon, which is one of the tendons in the rotator cuff.
• Pain is usually more localized to the shoulder region.
• Patients can typically lift their shoulders without assistance.
• Treatment may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in some cases, surgery.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):

• Characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder and sometimes in the upper arm.
• Symptoms include dull or aching pain and a limited range of motion, making it difficult to lift the arm past a certain point.
• The shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, causing the shoulder to become frozen.
• Symptoms progress through three stages: freezing (painful), frozen (pain may subside, but range of motion is limited), and thawing (gradual return of joint range of motion and mobility).
• Treatment primarily involves physical therapy focused on improving shoulder flexibility, and it can take from one to three years to progress through the stages.
• Frozen shoulder is more common in women than men and is often associated with diabetes, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, and other systemic diseases.

In summary, supraspinatus tendinitis involves inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon, while frozen shoulder is characterized by pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder. Treatment for supraspinatus tendinitis may include physical therapy and medications, whereas physical therapy focused on shoulder flexibility is the primary treatment for frozen shoulder.

Comparative Table: Supraspinatus Tendinitis vs Frozen Shoulder

The main difference between supraspinatus tendinitis and frozen shoulder lies in the inflammation of the tendon and the associated symptoms. Here is a table comparing the two conditions:

In summary, supraspinatus tendinitis involves inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon and is often caused by overuse in athletes participating in overhead sports. Frozen shoulder, on the other hand, is characterized by limited range of motion and is often treated with physical therapy and, in some cases, interventional treatments such as suprascapular nerve block and intraarticular injection.