Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: The Rotator Cuff and its Role in the Body

The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that keeps the arm attached to the shoulder joint. Additionally, the rotator cuff provides stability and allows movement to the shoulder. They keep the arm firmly attached to the shoulder joint as it moves without restraint. When there is an inflammation of these tissues, this is what is known as rotator cuff tendinitis.

Causes

This issue can be caused by an injury to the muscles or tendons that form the rotator cuff, but there are other factors that can cause it, such as:

• Holding bad postures for long times.
• Usual fatigue from our daily work and other activities.
• Sleeping on the same arm constantly.
• Holding the same posture for long periods.
• Holding the arms or moving the arms above the head for long intervals.

Some risk factors that are also considered are age, family background, and working jobs that require holding the same posture for long periods, for instance, jobs that require driving for long hours.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis are:

• Severe pain in the shoulder. 
• Pain in the shoulder area can be felt along the arm until the elbow, but no further.
• The sensation of weakness in the arm.
• Uncomfortable pain at night could even deprive the patient of sleep.
• Soreness when raising and lowering the arm.

How to Treat and Prevent

After diagnosing rotator cuff tendinitis, the doctor could advise following physiotherapy sessions to help treat it. These sessions will mainly consist of stretching exercises and exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles.

As recommended for all kinds of inflammation, applying cold to the affected area can help reduce the pain and the swelling.

For a quick recovery, it is also recommended to rest the shoulder as much as possible.

Last, but not least, painkillers are also a quick way to treat the symptoms while the shoulder recovers completely.

Since this is an issue that affects the tissues, to prevent this inflammation, it is highly recommended to do exercise that can help strengthen the muscles in this area. This way the shoulder joint has better support and protection from the tissues, and it is less likely to be severely affected by injuries. 

Avoid holding bad postures or doing repetitive movements with the arms above the head because as mentioned, these can directly cause rotator cuff tendinitis.

Finally, if your job requires you to hold the same posture for long periods, you should take breaks to move your body. Especially, the neck, back and shoulders should be exercised regularly to avoid injuries in general and other issues that can derive from holding a bad posture or holding the same posture for a long time. 

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119