Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

The main symptom of rotator cuff tendonitis is pain or aching in your shoulder joint, especially when moving your arm above your head or lifting heavy objects. You may feel pain at the front of your shoulder, which may radiate down the side of your arm to your elbow.

Other symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include:

• shoulder stiffness

• pain at rest or at night when lying in certain positions

• muscle weakness and reduced range of motion in your shoulder

Rotator cuff tendonitis has a variety of causes, including: 

• repetitive movements that involve lifting or reaching, such as during some sports, painting, and lifting

• shoulder injuries 

• age-related changes – your tendons may weaken with age, and their blood supply becomes reduced, increasing the risk of inflammation 

• compression of the tendons due to bone spurs or other abnormalities (shoulder impingement) 

• genetics – some people appear to have a predisposition to rotator cuff injuries due to genetic factors

At your first Welbeck consultation, you will be seen by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who will ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history, and any medications you take regularly. They’ll also examine your shoulder to check for pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. 

You may have some tests, such as an X-ray, MRI scan, or ultrasound, to confirm your diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as a tendon tear.

Rotator cuff tendonitis can’t always be prevented, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition, including: 

• warm up properly before exercise

• do exercises to build strength and flexibility in your shoulder and upper back muscles

• maintain good posture and use the correct form and technique when participating in sports and activities

• limit or avoid overusing your shoulder and activities that involve repetitive overhead arm movements

• take regular breaks between activities 

• use proper lifting techniques, such as lifting and carrying heavy objects close to your body, and avoid lifting heavy loads overhead

Rotator cuff tendonitis is usually treatable and not serious, but in some cases, untreated rotator cuff tendonitis can lead to long-term complications, including: 

• chronic pain and inflammation 

• weakness of your shoulder muscles 

• reduced range of motion 

• difficulty sleeping due to pain 

• difficulty with daily activities that involve reaching overhead or behind your back 

• rotator cuff tears – long-term irritation and weakness of your rotator cuff tendon can lead to a partial or complete tendon tear 

• frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) – is a build-up of scar tissue in your shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness and immobility

• calcific tendonitis – chronic inflammation in your tendons can lead to the formation of calcium deposits, which thicken your tendons, causing pain and reduced range of motion 

• emotional and psychological issues due to chronic pain, limited movement, sleep issues and reduced quality of life

There are several treatment options available for rotator cuff tendonitis, including home treatment, medication, physiotherapy and surgery.  

Your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you and recommend the best course of action depending on your symptoms, general health, age and activity level. 

Treatment for rotator cuff tendonitis may include: 

• resting your shoulder and limiting or avoiding activities that make your shoulder pain worse 

• applying ice packs to reduce swelling

• using a sling to support and immobilise your shoulder joint 

• taking over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation

• physiotherapy to restore strength in your shoulder and ease pain

• steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain

• surgery to remove inflamed tissue and bone spurs

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.