Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Rotator cuff tendonitis is the type of tendonitis most commonly reported to physicians. The tendon that attaches the top part of the arm bone to the shoulder socket is called the supraspinatus. Tendonitis in the shoulder most often affects this tendon.

When the shoulder is overused, usually by repeatedly lifting it high in the air, the tendon can become irritated and inflammation can make the joint very painful. This type of repetitive motion causes injury in some of the most common forms of occupational choice…

Some of the occupations that report rotator cuff tendonitis more than others include construction trades such as painters, carpenters and welders. Athletes are also vulnerable, especially those that play baseball and tennis. Except in the case of a traumatic injury, the dominant hand is usually the determining factor in which shoulder develops tendonitis.

Rotator cuff pain is generally classified as an ache in the shoulder, often dull, and will radiate down the arm and across the chest. Upon lifting the arm or extending it out to your side, you may experience nasty, stabbing pains in the shoulder area. Lying on the arm with the rotator cuff tendonitis can be very painful and many patients report insomnia because of their injury. In some cases, the patient may be in such pain that they are reluctant to move the arm and the shoulder joint will become stiff.

If not properly treated at this point, the stiffness may cause a condition called frozen shoulder, where a type of temporary paralysis sets in and must be treated with physical therapy to restore a full range of motion to the shoulder joint. Weakness in the arm may also be caused by the pain associated with lifting or extending the arm. Bruising and redness, along with some swelling is not uncommon.

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