Exercise and Treatment for Deltoid Tuberosity Pain

What Is Deltoid Tuberosity Pain?

The deltoid muscle is a round-shaped muscle that covers the shoulder joint on its top. It is responsible for the range of motion of the shoulders, and it is responsible for the round-shaped contour of the shoulders. As the deltoid muscle is important, it is very common to overuse it, which can cause pain. If the person feels pain in the round contour of the shoulder, in front of the shoulder, and in the back of the shoulder while lifting the arms is typically said as deltoid tuberosity pain. The pain in the deltoid tuberosity may be dull, throbbing, or aching pain. The intensity of the pain depends on its causes. The pain in the deltoid region gets aggravated by lifting the arms overhead. Sometimes the deltoid tuberosity inflammation may also cause swelling in the affected area.

• Grade 1 strain causes mild pain and tightness, and there will be no restriction in the range of motion.

• Grade 2 strain causes moderate pain and swelling, and a limited range of motion will exist.

• Grade 3 strain causes severe pain, muscle gap and swelling, and severe movement restriction.

What Causes Deltoid Tuberosity Pain?

• Deltoid tuberosity pain is most commonly caused by repetitive muscle overuse strain or injuries.

• The pain in the deltoid muscles may also be due to sudden overload on the deltoid muscles, involved in sports after a long gap without proper warm-up exercises, and may be due to falls which can cause the deltoid muscles to gain the entire body's weight.

• People involved in activities requiring increased use of deltoid muscles and shoulders can have deltoid tuberosity pain.

• The activities that can cause strain in the deltoid muscles include swimming, weight lifting, water skiing, playing baseball, playing basketball, playing cricket, painting, teaching, babysitting, etc.

How Is Deltoid Tuberosity Pain Treated?

Deltoid tuberosity pain can range from mild tightness to severely restricted movements. For mild injuries, the doctors may recommend routine exercises to treat the injury and prevent it from progressing. Athletes and other persons must reduce the duration and intensity of the workouts and sports in the healing stage. Doctors may also recommend anti-inflammatory drugs such as Naproxen and Ibuprofen to reduce pain, inflammation, swelling, and discomfort.

The doctors may treat patients with deltoid tuberosity pain depending on the severity.

For Grade 1 Strain:

• The doctors recommend PRICE protocol which means protection, rest, icing, compression and elevation, and mild painkiller drugs.

• Ice application should be done every three to four hours for 48 hours.

• The person should keep the arm in the protective sling and reduce the use of the arm as much as possible.

• After the swelling subsides in about three days, doctors may recommend the patient to a physical therapist to perform gentle stretching exercises and range of motion exercises.

For Grade 2 Strain:

• The doctors recommend PRICE protocol and anti-inflammatory medications.

• Ice application should be done every two to three hours for three to four days.

• The person should wrap the arm in a protective sling and a compression bandage to reduce the movement as much as possible.

• After the swelling and pain subside, the doctors recommend a range of motion exercises followed by strengthening exercises.

For Grade 3 Strain:

• The doctors recommend PRICE protocol and anti-inflammatory medications.

• Ice application should be done for at least 20 minutes as far as it is needed.

• Once the arm is protected with the sling and compression bandage, the physical therapist starts the rehabilitation by increasing the range of motion exercises and strengthening exercises.

What Are the Exercises and Stretches for Deltoid Tuberosity Pain?

The physical therapist recommends a series of stretches and exercises to the patients affected with a deltoid tuberosity injury. The exercises and stretches are:

1. Anterior Deltoid Stretch -The instructions are:

• The person should stand on the floor with relaxed and loose shoulders.

• Then the person should clasp both hands behind them.

• Then the person should slowly roll their shoulders, puff out their chest and squeeze both shoulder blades.

• Then the person should slowly pull their hands towards the ceiling until they feel the stretch.

• Then the person should hold the position for about 15 to 20 seconds, and the exercise should be repeated three to five times.

2. Posterior Deltoid Stretch -The instructions are:

• The person should stand straight on the floor with the hip leg width apart and extend both hands.

• Then the person should grasp the elbow of the affected arm with the opposite hand, and the person should gently pull the elbow in the same direction.

• The person should pull the elbow until the stretch is felt.

• Then the person should hold the position for about 15 to 20 seconds and repeat the exercise three to five times.

3. Isometric Exercise -The instructions are:

• The person should stand straight on the floor by facing the wall with the elbow flexed sideways.

• Then the person should gently push the wall sideways.

• Then the person should hold the push for five to seven seconds.

• The exercise can be repeated 10 to 12 times.

4. Anterior Deltoid Raise -This exercise requires two dumbbells of equal weight. The weight can be 0.5 kg to 1 kg (kilogram). It can also be done with a water-filled water bottle. The instructions are:

• The person should stand straight with the hip-width apart.

• Then the person should hold the weight object in both hands and raise the hand up to the level of the shoulders.

• The person should breathe in while raising the hand and breathe out while lowering it.

• Then the person should hold the lift for three to five seconds and repeat the exercise seven to ten times.

5. Front Deltoid Raise -The instructions are:

• The person should stand straight on the floor and wrap a resistance band under the foot and hold the other end of the band with the hand with the palms facing down.

• Then the person should gently raise the arm at shoulder height.

• Then the person should hold the position for a few seconds and repeat the exercise for 10 to 15 times.

6. Rear Deltoid Fly - The instructions are:

• The person should stand straight, wrap the resistance band under the foot, and hold the other end with their hands.

• Then the person should gently raise the arms sideways at shoulder height.

• The person should hold the position for a few seconds and repeat the exercise seven to ten times.

Conclusion:

Deltoid tuberosity pain occurs due to injury or overuse. Usually, mild injuries to the deltoid muscles are treated with rest and over-the-counter medications. Exercise and stretches to the deltoid muscles prevent them from chronic effects. Reaching out to a physical therapist may be beneficial.