Infraspinatus Pain

Targeted Healing for Infraspinatus Strains & Tears
The infraspinatus is the powerhouse of the back of your shoulder. As the primary muscle responsible for external rotation (turning your arm outward), it acts as a critical anchor, keeping the "ball" of your shoulder joint centered in the "socket" during overhead and reaching movements.
Because the infraspinatus is constantly active in stabilizing the joint, it is highly prone to chronic overuse and "frayed" edges—known as tendinopathy. At Granville Physio, we use Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to treat these deep-seated injuries at the source.
Symptoms of an Infraspinatus InjuryIf you are struggling with an infraspinatus issue, you may notice:
  • Deep Posterior Pain: An ache felt specifically at the back of the shoulder blade.
  • Weakness with Rotation: Difficulty or pain when pulling a door open, reaching for a seatbelt, or performing a "backhand" motion.
  • Referred Arm Pain: A dull ache that travels from the shoulder down into the side or back of the upper arm.
  • Inability to Sleep: Sharp pain when lying directly on the affected shoulder.
How Shockwave Therapy Restores the InfraspinatusThe infraspinatus tendon often fails to heal on its own because of its dense, fibrotic nature and limited blood supply. Shockwave therapy provides a biological "reset" through the following mechanisms:
1. Stimulating Tissue RegenerationUsing a process called mechanotransduction, shockwave therapy converts acoustic energy into healing signals at a cellular level:
  • Neovascularization: It forces the growth of new micro-capillaries into the tendon, ending the "nutrient drought" that prevents chronic tears from knitting back together.
  • Collagen Synthesis: It promotes the formation of Type I collagen, which is stronger and more flexible than the disorganized scar tissue found in chronic injuries.
  • Release of Growth Factors: It signals the body’s internal repair team to accelerate the regeneration of healthy tendon fibers.
2. Advanced Pain ManagementShockwave is highly effective at "switching off" chronic shoulder pain:
  • Nerve Desensitization: The high-energy pulses provide a "hyperstimulation" effect, temporarily numbing overactive pain receptors.
  • Substance P Reduction: It lowers the concentration of Substance P, the chemical messenger responsible for the "aching" sensation of chronic tendinopathy.
3. Breaking Down Calcium DepositsIn cases of Calcific Tendinitis, calcium can build up within the infraspinatus tendon like a small stone. Shockwave is the gold-standard treatment for mechanically fragmenting these deposits, allowing your body to reabsorb them without the need for surgery.
Clinical Research: Proven EfficacyEvidence shows that shockwave therapy is a superior choice for long-term rotator cuff health:
  • Better Results than Physical Therapy Alone: Research published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery indicates that patients receiving ESWT for rotator cuff tendinopathy showed significantly higher functional scores and lower pain levels than those receiving traditional therapy alone.
  • A Non-Invasive Alternative: Studies have shown that Shockwave can be as effective as surgery for certain types of chronic calcific tendinitis, with significantly less downtime and risk.

Reclaim Your Shoulder StrengthAt Granville Physio, we combine the power of Shockwave Therapy with personalized loading exercises to ensure your infraspinatus is not just pain-free, but resilient enough for the demands of your life.