Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

The basics The rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint and are important in many different physical activities involving the upper body. For example, the rotator cuff helps you to throw a ball or even to bench press in the weight room. The supraspinatus muscle is the rotator cuff muscle most frequently injured or inflamed.

Anatomy The supraspinatus tendon passes through the subacromial space, a narrow passageway near the tip of your shoulder. When the tendon becomes inflamed, there is less room in the passageway and further tendon inflammation and possible tearing results. This condition is called rotator cuff impingement syndrome, because the tendon gets pinched inside the passageway. The bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction, is often inflammed as well. Sometimes the acromion, the bone at the top of the passageway, is hooked or curved rather than flat, which further aggravates the problem. Impingement syndrome is most common among sports that involve a lot of overhead activity such as baseball, tennis, softball, volleyball and the javelin.

Signs and symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis/impingement include pain with overhead activity and shoulder weakness, usually at the top of front of the shoulder. As the condition progresses, the pain may occur with daily activities, such as washing your hair, or even at rest.

Treatment includes resting the shoulder, ice, anti-inflammatory medication and other treatment modalities. As the condition begins to improve, rehabilitation exercises such as stretching and strengthening techniques are important in the recovery process. A gradual return to activity once the area is pain free helps the athlete to return back to participation.