Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

The tendons are very important structures throughout the body that connect bones together and allow for easy motions of important joints such as the shoulder. When these tendons become inflamed, individuals can experience painful symptoms of tendonitis that may eventually prevent them from completing basic motions needed in their daily life. Those with severe rotator cuff tendonitis should seek treatment from a specialist early on so that any damage can be corrected quickly, and the shoulder can be spared from any additional injuries.

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Rotator Cuff Injury Versus Tear

Rotator cuff tendonitis is often confused with rotator cuff tears and various other shoulder injuries such as shoulder impingement syndrome or a SLAP tear. The primary factor that distinguishes a tear from any other condition of the shoulder is that a tear typically occurs immediately as a result of a significant trauma, or after a known shoulder condition has worsened over time without adequate treatment.

Rotator cuff tendonitis can lead to a rotator cuff tear. As tendonitis becomes a chronic issue, patients can progress into a worsening situation in which the tendons actually begin to break down and eventually tear. It is best to avoid this degeneration entirely by seeking care from a medical professional as soon as symptoms begin to appear.

A woman in business attire sits at a desk, touching her shoulder with a pained expression. A computer screen displays charts and graphs. The office is well-lit with sunlight through blinds and has neatly arranged papers and plants.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

As the tendons within the shoulder become inflamed, pain, swelling, and stiffness are often the first symptoms reported. This pain often worsens when the individual:
  • Raises the arm
  • Lowers the arm
  • Reaches behind their back
  • Reaches for an object
  • Tries to lift an object
It is also possible to experience mild pain while the shoulder is completely still. If the joint is in motion, there is often a clicking sound, and pain will usually begin in the front of the shoulder before moving along the side of the joint.

How is rotator cuff tendonitis diagnosed?

Your provider will first conduct a physical examination of the shoulder to evaluate range of motion, pain level, and any other concerning symptoms. Patients will often be asked to perform a series of simple movements to test the strength of their rotator cuff.

Additional imaging tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI may be ordered to give an accurate diagnosis and rule out any other potential causes. While X-ray images cannot discern much about the tendons, they can identify any bone spurs that may be present along the joint.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis Treatment

Recommendations will vary from one patient to another based on their specific case and how far their rotator cuff tendonitis has progressed.

Non-Invasive Options

Mild symptoms can be treated by reducing activity levels, icing the area regularly, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to control inflammation. Seeing a physical therapist can also help address more minor symptoms, and many patients are able to safely build up strength in their injured shoulder.

Steroid Injections

If early treatments were unable to provide effective relief, steroid injections to the shoulder may be suggested. These injections are intended to reduce inflammation of the shoulder joint, which can quickly lower pain levels for the patient.

Surgery

More advanced cases may require surgery. Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures allow patients to enjoy the same benefits as traditional surgery while avoiding large incisions, scarring, infection, bleeding, and a lengthy recovery process.

Schedule Your Rotator Cuff Tendonitis Consultation

If you are experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness from rotator cuff tendonitis, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700 to request a consultation with a specialist in Southeastern Wisconsin.

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