Highlights

Rotator cuff tendinitis, or tendonitis, occurs when the tendons and muscles that help move the shoulder joint are inflamed or irritated.
It commonly occurs in people who play sports that frequently require extending the arm over the head.
Most people with rotator cuff tendinitis can regain full function of the shoulder without any pain after treatment.

Rotator cuff tendinitis, or tendonitis, affects the tendons and muscles that help move the shoulder joint. If you have tendinitis, it means that your tendons are inflamed or irritated. Rotator cuff tendinitis is also called impingement syndrome.

This condition usually occurs over time. It can be the result of keeping the shoulder in one position for a while, sleeping on the shoulder every night, or participating in activities that require extending the arm over the head.

Athletes playing sports that require extending the arm over the head commonly develop rotator cuff tendinitis. This is why the condition may also be referred to as:

swimmer?s shoulder
pitcher?s shoulder
tennis shoulder

Sometimes, rotator cuff tendinitis can occur without any known cause. Most people with rotator cuff tendinitis are able to regain full function of the shoulder without any pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis?

The symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis tend to get worse over time. Initial symptoms may be relieved with rest, but the symptoms can later become constant. Symptoms that go past the elbow usually indicate another problem.

Symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis include:

pain and swelling in the front of the shoulder and side of the arm
pain triggered by raising or lowering the arm
a clicking sound when raising the arm
stiffness
pain that causes you to wake from sleep
pain when reaching behind the back
a loss of mobility and strength in the affected arm

How Is Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Diagnosed?

If you?re having symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis, your doctor will begin by examining your shoulder. You?ll be checked to see where you?re feeling pain and tenderness. Your doctor will also test your range of motion by asking you to move your arm in certain directions.

Your doctor may also test the strength of your shoulder joint by asking you to press against their hand. They may also examine your neck to check for conditions such as a pinched nerve or arthritis that can cause symptoms similar to rotator cuff tendinitis.

Your doctor may order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinitis and rule out any other causes of your symptoms. An X-ray may be ordered to see if you have a bone spur. Your doctor may order an ultrasound or MRI to check for inflammation in the rotator cuff and to check for any tearing.

How Is Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Treated?

Initial treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis involves managing pain and swelling to promote healing. This can be done by:

avoiding activities that cause pain
applying cold packs to your shoulder three to four times per day
taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen

Additional treatment may include:

Physical Therapy

Your doctor may also refer you to a physical therapist. Physical therapy will initially
consist of stretching and other passive exercises to help restore range of motion and ease pain. Once the pain is under control, your physical therapist will teach you exercises to help regain strength in your arm and shoulder.

Steroids

If your rotator cuff tendinitis is not being managed by more conservative treatment, your doctor may recommend a steroid injection. This is injected into the tendon to reduce inflammation, which reduces pain.

Surgery

If nonsurgical treatment isn?t successful, your doctor may recommend surgery. Most people experience full recovery after having rotator cuff surgery. The most noninvasive form of shoulder surgery is accomplished via arthroscopy. This involves two or three small cuts around the shoulder, through which your doctor will insert various instruments. One of these instruments will have a camera, so your surgeon can view the damaged tissue through the small incisions.

Open shoulder surgery is usually not required for rotator cuff tendinitis. However, this method may be used if there are other problems in the shoulder, such as a large tendon tear. Surgery involves recovery that consists of rest and physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion.

Home Care for Your Shoulder

There are several things you can do to help reduce pain from rotator cuff tendinitis. These techniques can also help prevent rotator cuff tendinitis or another flare-up of pain.

Shoulder self-care includes: