Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

The continuous use of the rotator cuff muscles can lead to some tiny tears in the rotator cuff tendons. As a result, the tendons get inflamed and swollen. This usually happens in people older than 30 years. 

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy is commonly associated with physical activities that include repetitive arm lifting movements. Some jobs and sports have this type of movement such as car washing, lifting heavy weights, windows cleaning, throwing, raking…etc.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy is usually caused by repetitive arm lifting for long durations. Some sports activities can be a risk for developing tendinopathy. This includes weightlifting, intense push-ups, excessive pull-ups, and some swimming techniques if you are older than 40 years.

Your rotator cuff muscles need time to rest and to avoid muscle fatigue which is one of the risk factors of tendinopathy. If you do not give your rotator cuff muscles enough time to rest after overuse, that can lead to tendonitis.

Moreover, having a previous shoulder injury can be a reason to have tendinopathy. An injury of the shoulder joint intensifies the wear & tear effect as it increases the muscle fraying. If you had a previous shoulder injury, we recommend following your doctor’s advice to avoid developing tendinopathy.

The symptoms of rotator cuff tendinopathy depend on the severity of the condition. Most cases of tendinopathy have the following symptoms:

• • Pain in the shoulder joint. It increases by raising the arm overhead. The pain can also be felt on top or in front of the shoulder. In severe cases, it can interfere with sleep.
  • You might experience swelling in your shoulder which is tender to touch.
  • Cracking or popping sound when you raise your arm overhead.
  • If left untreated, rotator cuff tendinopathy can lead to movement limitation or adhesions. 

If you have one or more of the above symptoms, you should visit your doctor.

If you have any of the symptoms of tendinitis, your doctor will examine your shoulder joint. 

Specific orthopedic range of motion testing will produce a positive result for pain which is usually a clinical indication of rotator cuff tendinitis. 

Your doctor may also order an X-ray to see if there is any change to the shoulder joint. An MRI will provide the definitive diagnosis.

The risk factors of rotator cuff tendinopathy should be avoided. Avoiding repetitive arm movements is highly recommended as it will decrease the tearing of tendons. Giving your arm some rest is necessary for treating your shoulder.

Application of ice packs on your shoulder can reduce pain and swelling. Use cold ice packs for 20 minutes every few hours. Discuss this with your doctor. After the pain goes away, you can use heating pads to treat shoulder stiffness.

Your doctor can recommend some exercises for your shoulder to reeducate the muscles and tendons. Physical therapy may also be recommended.

Kinesiotaping may be another alternative treatment to help stabilize the joint and offer assistance with overuse activities.

Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can reduce the pain and the inflammation in your shoulder joint. Your doctor may order an injection at the site of pain to more rapidly reduce the inflammation in the shoulder joint. 

In some cases, surgery might be considered to remove bone spurs or to allow extra space within the shoulder joint in order to stop tendon tearing.