Shoulder pain is one of the most common orthopedic complaints, and a frequent cause is rotator cuff tendonitis. This condition occurs when the muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated or inflamed, often resulting in pain and arm weakness. Left untreated, tendonitis may progress into a partial tear or even a complete tear, limiting range of motion and interfering with daily activities.
In this article, we’ll explain the anatomy of the rotator cuff, what happens with rotator cuff injuries, how they are diagnosed, and the treatment options available. If you are experiencing shoulder pain and suspect a rotator cuff injury, fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon Dr. Benjamin Szerlip in Austin, Texas, can offer expert care to help relieve pain and restore function. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
The rotator cuff is made up of four tendons and their corresponding rotator cuff muscles. These tendons surround the ball and socket joint of the shoulder, stabilizing the upper arm bone (humerus) within the shoulder socket (glenoid). The rotator cuff attaches the muscles to the shoulder blade and upper arm bone, allowing for smooth movement and a wide range of motion.
Because the shoulder joint is one of the most flexible in the body, it is also vulnerable to stress, overuse, and degenerative changes that can affect the muscles and tendons. When inflamed, the rotator cuff tendons can cause significant rotator cuff pain, especially when lifting the arm overhead.
Rotator cuff tendonitis is often the first stage of a rotator cuff injury. If inflammation persists, the tendon fibers may weaken, leading to a partial tear or, in more severe cases, a complete tear. Torn tendons can result from acute trauma, such as a fall, or from chronic shoulder overuse and degenerative tear changes that occur naturally with aging.
Patients with a torn rotator cuff often report persistent shoulder pain, arm pain that worsens at night, and pain and arm weakness when performing routine tasks. Over time, bone spurs may also develop, increasing irritation and worsening symptoms in the affected shoulder.
Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the extent of a rotator cuff injury. A physical exam helps assess shoulder pain, strength, and range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays can identify bone spurs or arthritis in the shoulder joint.
More advanced studies, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), provide detailed views of the rotator cuff tendons, muscles, and cartilage, and whether there is a partial tear, complete tear, or degenerative tear. These findings allow an orthopedic surgeon to tailor treatment recommendations to relieve pain and restore function for each individual patient.
Treatment for rotator cuff tendonitis depends on the severity of the injury, whether a tear is present, and how much the condition impacts daily life. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, restore range of motion, and strengthen the rotator cuff muscles to protect the shoulder joint from further damage.
Many cases of rotator cuff tendonitis and partial tears can be managed with nonsurgical care. Initial treatment may include:
These methods can effectively manage rotator cuff pain for many patients, especially when the injury has not progressed to a complete tear.
When nonsurgical treatment does not relieve pain or when there is a torn rotator cuff, rotator cuff surgery may be recommended. Surgical options depend on the type of injury:
Rotator cuff surgery can address both partial tears and complete tears, especially in patients with chronic shoulder pain, significant loss of function, or degenerative tear progression. Post-surgical physical therapy is essential to restore motion and strength to the affected shoulder.
If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain, limited range of motion, or symptoms of a rotator cuff injury, don’t wait to seek expert care.
Dr. Benjamin Szerlip, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin, Texas, specializes in treating rotator cuff injuries with both advanced nonsurgical and surgical options. Schedule an appointment today to learn how Dr. Szerlip can help you recover from rotator cuff pain and get back to an active lifestyle.
