ROTATOR CUFF TENDINITIS

The rotator cuff is a set of muscles that attach the shoulder blade (Scapula) to the upper arm (Humerus). Rotator cuff tendinitis is when the rotator cuff tendons (cords connecting muscle to bone) become irritated or damaged. This occurs in individuals who do repetitive lifting or overhead activities using their arm. These activities may include swimming, baseball, tennis, paper hanging, construction, or painting.

Symptoms include minor pain that is present both with activity and at rest, pain radiating from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm, and/or sudden pain with lifting and reaching movements. Athletes may experience pain with overhead sports when throwing or serving a tennis ball. The symptoms may begin initially as a mild pain, but may worsen if left untreated. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and restore function. In planning your treatment, your doctor will consider your age, activity level, and general health.

Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints that brings people to the doctor’s office, often caused by rotator cuff problems. The rotator cuff is a set of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade (scapula) to the upper arm (humerus). Tendinitis of the rotator cuff is characterized by the inflammation of the tendons and muscles that make up the rotator cuff.

This condition occurs in individuals who do repetitive lifting or overhead activities using their arms. These activities may include swimming, baseball, tennis, paper hanging, construction, or painting. Symptoms include swelling of the shoulder, dull ache or pain that is present both with activity and at rest, pain radiating from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm, and sudden pain with lifting and reaching movements. As the condition progresses and if left untreated, pain can be felt at night to the extent of disturbing sleep. The overall arm weakness that results can limit even the most mundane activities.

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and to restore function. In planning your treatment, your doctor will consider your age, activity level, and general health. Generally, tendinitis can be treated non-surgically with rest, anti-inflammatory medicine and physical therapy. If pain and function don’t improve, surgery may be an option.