Rotator cuff tendinitis is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Many people believe it’s due to overuse or inflammation. But what if the root cause is instability from a weakened inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL)? If left untreated, this instability can lead to chronic pain, tendon damage, and even arthritis.
What is the IGHL and Why Does It Matter?
The IGHL is a key stabilizing ligament in the shoulder. It connects the humerus (upper arm bone) to the glenoid (shoulder socket) and prevents excessive movement, especially upward shifting of the humeral head. Think of it as a seatbelt for your shoulder—allowing movement while maintaining stability.
When the IGHL becomes loose, stretched, or weak, the shoulder joint loses stability. This places excessive strain on the rotator cuff, leading to chronic irritation, tendinitis, and increased risk of further injuries like labral tears.
Signs of IGHL Dysfunction
If your rotator cuff tendinitis isn’t improving with standard treatments, IGHL dysfunction might be to blame. Here are key signs to watch for:
- Shoulder feels unstable or loose
- Pain with overhead movements
- Pain near the armpit (IGHL location)
- Symptoms worsen with activity but don’t fully go away
- Temporary relief from physical therapy, but no lasting improvement
Why Traditional Treatments Fail
Many people with rotator cuff tendinitis receive treatments that only focus on inflammation, not the underlying instability. These include:
- Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatories – Provide temporary relief but don’t address the ligament weakness.
- Cortisone injections – Reduce pain short-term but weaken tendons over time.
- Surgery – May remove damaged tissue but doesn’t restore natural stability.
If the IGHL remains weak, the tendinitis will keep coming back.
How to Fix the IGHL and Heal Your Shoulder
To truly heal from rotator cuff tendinitis, you must restore shoulder stability. Here’s how:
1. Strengthen Your Shoulder the Right Way
Instead of just strengthening the rotator cuff, focus on stability exercises:
- Isometric holds – Activate stabilizing muscles without excessive strain.
- Closed-chain exercises – Wall slides and plank variations improve joint stability.
- Scapular control drills – Enhance shoulder biomechanics and reduce stress on the rotator cuff.
2. Regenerative Medicine for Ligament Repair
If the IGHL is significantly weakened, regenerative medicine can help rebuild ligament strength using your body’s healing abilities:
- Prolotherapy – Injections that stimulate collagen production and tighten ligaments.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – Uses your own healing platelets to repair ligament damage.
- Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells – Promote long-term healing and regeneration.
Avoid Treatments That Worsen Instability
Certain treatments can actually make IGHL instability worse, leading to chronic pain and weakness:
- Cortisone injections – Weaken soft tissues, increasing instability.
- Surgeries that remove tissue – Cutting out parts of the rotator cuff or labrum can lead to further instability.
The Bottom Line
If you’re struggling with rotator cuff tendinitis, don’t just focus on inflammation—address the real issue: shoulder instability caused by IGHL weakness. By combining targeted stability exercises and regenerative treatments, you can restore function, avoid surgery, and achieve long-term pain relief.
For expert guidance, visit ChicagoArthritis.com to schedule a consultation. Take control of your shoulder health today!
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