To effectively treat a patient with supraspinatus tendinitis using ultrasound, how should the therapist position the shoulder joint?

Positioning the shoulder joint in slight abduction and internal rotation is optimal for treating supraspinatus tendinitis with ultrasound therapy. This specific positioning helps to place the supraspinatus muscle and tendon in a more favorable alignment, allowing for improved access to the tissues that are inflamed or injured.

When the shoulder is positioned in slight abduction, the subacromial space is increased, reducing any potential impingement that may occur during the treatment. This alignment also enables better penetration of ultrasound waves into the targeted tissue, ensuring effective delivery of the therapeutic effects. The internal rotation further aids in optimizing the ultrasound treatment by aligning the fibers of the supraspinatus tendon parallel to the ultrasound beam, which can enhance absorption and effectiveness of the ultrasound energy in the area of interest.

In contrast, other positions could result in less effective treatment. For example, medial rotation positions could inhibit effective penetration due to the natural anatomy of the shoulder and how the supraspinatus tendon is oriented. By ensuring the shoulder is in slight abduction and internal rotation during ultrasound therapy, the physical therapist maximizes the therapeutic benefits for the patient with supraspinatus tendinitis.