Rotator Cuff Tendonitis Solutions

What is Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?

The most common injury to the shoulder involves the rotator cuff muscles and surrounding structures. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that surround the shoulder, which synergistically work to stabilize and move the arm. Contiguous with each rotator cuff muscle, is a tendon that connects to the humerus (upper arm bone) and is an insertion point for movement. The tendon has poor blood supply, so when it is injured, healing is often slow and incomplete. Unfortunately, the rotator cuff muscles do not work alone, they are part of a larger functional movement system including the cervical and thoracic spine, pectoralis and bicep muscles and the elbow joint, to name a few. This is why it is not uncommon for prolonged untreated shoulder conditions to present with secondary complaints to the regions mentioned above.

Rotator cuff tendonitis is an acute inflammation of the tendon from irritation or overuse of the region. If the condition persists for more than 3 months it is usually considered chronic and is referred to as a tendinosis.