Shoulder Tendonitis (or rotator cuff tendonitis) is one of the most common conditions of the shoulder joint (rotator cuff). It is important to know that shoulder tendonitis is only part of a single problem and goes hand in hand with shoulder bursitis and impingement syndrome. The most common cause of rotator cuff tendonitis is sports. But sometimes this occurs in people over 40 years of age.

Question

I have Shoulder Tendonitis. I would like to understand what exactly Shoulder Tendonitis means? and how I can be helped? as I have pain and difficulty moving my shoulder.

Answer

We can appreciate your pain and frustration. However, you have not informed us of your age, the cause of your injury, how long since your injury and whether there is infection or not. We would therefore advise you to be guided by your treating physician, who knows you, your injury and the seriousness of it. Specific treatment for shoulder tendonitis will be determined by your physician based on: your age, overall health, and medical history. Other contributing factors are: the extent of the condition, your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies, your expectations for the course of the condition and your opinion or preference.
 

We can help your understanding of this condition and advise what various treatments may be required, depending on the individual injury.. The rotator cuff is a group of four (4) muscles that helps to lift your shoulder up over your head and also rotate it toward and away from your body. Unfortunately, it is also a group of muscles that is frequently injured by tears, tendonitis, impingement, bursitis, and strains. The major muscle that is usually involved is called the supraspinatus muscle which can be considered the weak link in the shoulder, since the supraspinatus muscle is the most commonly injured part.
 

Rotator cuff tendinitis is also known as Swimmer's shoulder; Pitcher's shoulder; Shoulder impingement syndrome; Tennis shoulder or Shoulder Bursitis. Rotator cuff tendinitis is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the tendons of the shoulder Usually this occurs in people 30-80 years of age, and usually the weakness in the shoulder is only mild to moderate.
 

Rotator cuff tears occurs usually in people who have had tendonitis for a while and are starting to experience more weakness. It can also happen in someone who tries to lift something too heavy and feels a pop in the shoulder. Instability impingement occurs in younger patients, typically 15-30 years old. The rotator cuff is irritated because the shoulder is loose in the socket. This often happens in baseball pitchers, swimmers, and other throwing athletes.
 

The pain of both of these types of bursitis is usually better with rest or even using some heat over the areas of pain. This is the most common type of bursitis. An infection to the bursa usually has redness associated with this swelling and the pain is constant. If you think you may have an infection, please seek medical treatment immediately.
 

Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injury may include: rest - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications - strengthening exercises - ultrasound therapy - corticosteroid injection or surgery (for severe injuries). In the link "Rotator Cuff Exercises" particular exercises will be described to help you strengthen the muscles in your shoulder (especially the muscles of the rotator cuff--the part that helps circular motion). These exercises should not cause you pain. If the exercise hurts, stop exercising, check with your physician and then start again with a lighter weight.
 

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