ROTATOR CUFF TENDINOPATHY

The shoulder joint is a shallow ball-and-socket joint. It is held in place by a capsule as well as a set of muscles which is collectively called the rotator cuff muscles. These muscles are pivotal for maintaining the precise positioning of the upper arm within the shoulder socket and facilitates rotational and lifting motions. The attachment of these muscles to the bone is called the rotator cuff tendons.

Repetitive engagement in overhead activities can result in injury and degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons. This can result in discomfort of the shoulder. Left unattended, it can result in tears of the rotator cuff tendon. These symptoms typically occur after the age of 40.

In the presence of rotator cuff tendinopathy, individuals commonly experience discomfort in the outer section of the upper arm, with occasional extension to the anterior and superior aspects of the shoulder. This pain may exacerbate during activities involving elevation of the hands or reaching behind, potentially disrupting sleep.

The diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy may be made by:

• Clinical Evaluation
• Imaging such as Ultrasound or MRI scan

The treatment of this condition is mostly conservative. The options for treatment includes:

• Medications to relieve pain 
• Physical therapy
• Avoiding repetitive overhead activities
• If the symptoms do not resolve with conservative treatment, steroid injection around the tendon may be useful.
• Surgery is oftentimes not required, unless there is an acute, traumatic shoulder injury or if there is a large tear which does not respond to conservative treatment.