Rotator Cuff Tendinitis & Tears
Inflammation or tears of the rotator cuff can cause shoulder pain, weakness and difficulty with everyday activities and overhead movement.
What is a Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder joint and allow the arm to move and rotate. Because the shoulder is one of the body's most mobile joints, the rotator cuff plays a critical role in maintaining strength and function.
Rotator cuff problems are often caused by repetitive use, age-related wear and tear, or injury. Tendinitis occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed, while a rotator cuff tear involves damage to one or more tendons. Tears may develop gradually over time or occur suddenly after an injury, such as a fall onto an outstretched arm.
Common risk factors include repetitive overhead activities, aging, family history and smoking.
Rotator Cuff Symptoms
Rotator cuff tendinitis and tears can make everyday activities painful and difficult. Common symptoms include:
- A deep, aching pain in the shoulder or upper arm
- Weakness when lifting, reaching or rotating the arm
- Pain during overhead activities
- Difficulty reaching behind your back
- Shoulder pain that worsens at night or interferes with sleep
Prevention of Rotator Cuff Injuries
While age-related changes cannot always be prevented, maintaining strength and flexibility in the shoulder and shoulder blade muscles can help reduce the risk of injury and recurring symptoms.
Regular exercise, including properly performed strength training, can support shoulder health. If you have concerns about shoulder pain during exercise or weightlifting, a sports medicine specialist or physical therapist can help identify safe and effective modifications.
Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and your symptoms. Many patients improve with nonsurgical care, including physical therapy, medications and injections.
For larger or more significant tears, surgery may be recommended to repair the damaged tendon and restore shoulder function. Because untreated tears can worsen over time and become more difficult to repair, early evaluation is often beneficial.
Rotator Cuff Injury Recovery
Many patients with rotator cuff tendinitis or minor tears improve within several weeks to a few months with conservative treatment.
If surgery is required, recovery typically includes a structured rehabilitation program and physical therapy. Depending on the size of the tear and the procedure performed, complete healing can take six to 10 months.
Meet Our Shoulder Team
As part of the Summa Health Orthopedics Institute, our shoulder team is led by board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons with advanced expertise in treating shoulder conditions and injuries. Working closely with therapists and other specialists, they provide personalized care focused on relieving pain, restoring function and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy.