Subscapularis tendon tear: causes, treatment, and symptoms

Subscapularis tendon tears are a common injury, especially among athletes. However, they can occur in anyone who uses their shoulder muscles extensively. The subscapularis tendon attaches the subscapularis muscle to the upper arm bone (humerus). It helps to rotate the arm inward and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear of the subscapularis tendon can cause pain and difficulty rotating the arm. The subscapularis muscle is one of the four Rotator Cuff muscles. 

 This blog will provide information about subscapularis tendon tears – what they are, how they are caused, and how to treat them – as well as ways to prevent them from occurring.

 

Subscapularis Tendon Tear, diagram shows subscapularis in the shoulder joint
By National Institute Of Arthritis And Musculoskeletal And Skin Diseases (NIAMS); SVG version by Angelito7 – Shoulderjoint.PNG, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29907860

What is a subscapularis tendon tear and what causes it

A subscapularis tendon tear is a tear of the subscapularis tendon. This tendon attaches the subscapularis muscle to the upper arm bone (humerus). It helps to rotate the arm inward and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear of the subscapularis tendon can cause pain and difficulty rotating the arm.

There are two types of subscapularis tendon tears:

Partial Tear

A partial tear is a small tear that does not completely sever the tendon. These tears are often the result of overuse or repetitive motions.

Complete tear

A complete tear severs the tendon completely. These tears are often the result of a single, traumatic event.

Symptoms of subscapularis tendon tear

The most common symptom of a subscapularis tendon tear is pain. This pain is often located near the shoulder joint and may radiate down the arm. Other symptoms include:

– Weakness in the shoulder

– Difficulty moving the arm

– Tenderness when touching the shoulder

– Swelling in the shoulder

– Bruising in the shoulder

 

How to prevent subscapularis tendon tears

There are several things you can do to help prevent subscapularis tendon tears:

– Make sure you warm up properly before any physical activity. This will help to loosen the muscles and prepare them for exercise.

– Stretch the muscles around the shoulder joint regularly. This will help keep them flexible and less likely to tear.

 

How to treat subscapularis tendon tears

If you have a subscapularis tendon tear, there are several things you can do to help treat it:

– Rest the shoulder joint as much as possible. This will allow the tendon to heal.

– Ice the shoulder joint regularly. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain.

– Apply compression to the shoulder joint

 

How subscapularis tendon tears can affect shoulder range of motion

 

Subscapularis tendon tears can affect shoulder range of motion in several ways. First, a tear in the subscapularis tendon can cause pain and inflammation, which can limit the range of motion in the shoulder joint. Second, if the subscapularis tendon is severely torn, it may not be able to function properly, which can also limit the range of motion in the shoulder joint. Finally, if the subscapularis tendon is completely torn, it will need to be surgically repaired, which will require a period of immobilization and physical therapy to regain full range of motion in the shoulder joint.

 

Using the Reflex Health app to measure subscapularis tendon tears

The Reflex Health app is a great tool for measuring subscapularis tendon tears. The app allows you to track your pain levels and range of motion so you can see how your injury is healing over time. It also provides helpful tips and exercises to help you recover from your subscapularis tendon tear.