Rotator Cuff Treatment Perth

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis or Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Although the term rotator cuff tendonitis is still commonly used, the more accurate diagnosis is rotator cuff tendinopathy. Read our blog on the difference between tendonitis and tendinopathy here. We will use the more accurate term of rotator cuff tendinopathy for the remainder of this page.

We must be careful about interpreting the words rotator cuff tendinopathy on an ultrasound or MRI report as many people have this condition without any symptoms at all. However rotator cuff tendinopathy, especially in the acute phase can be a very painful and debilitating condition of the shoulder. Rotator cuff tendinopathy commonly co-exists with subacromial bursitis or shoulder bursitis.

• Supraspinatus Tendinopathy – The most common form of shoulder tendinopathy is supraspinatus tendinopathy. This affects the supraspinatus tendon, which comes from the top of the scapula and attaches to the outside of the humerus. It is essential for elevating the arm and commonly causes pain on the outside of the shoulder during overhead activities, lifting and lying on the shoulder.
• Subscapularis Tendinopathy – The least common tendinopathy of the shoulder is subscapularis tendinopathy. The subscapularis tendon comes from the front of the scapula and is most commonly irritated when stretched by moving the arm away from the body.
• Infraspinatus Tendinopathy – The second most common form of shoulder tendinopathy is infraspinatus tendinopathy. The infraspinatus tendon comes from the back of the scapula and also attaches to the outside of the humerus. It rotates the arm and also has an important role in elevating the arm but doesn’t work as hard as the supraspinatus so doesn’t tend to cause as much pain.
• Partial Rotator Cuff Tears – Partial rotator cuff tears are extremely common in those above the age of 40. They are usually a progression of rotator cuff tendinopathy and as such, the symptoms and treatment are very similar.
• Full Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear – Full thickness rotator cuff tears cause more significant weakness and loss of function. Full thickness rotator cuff tears do not heal on their own. Physiotherapy treatment and rotator cuff exercises can assist the other rotator cuff muscles to work more effectively but often rotator cuff surgery is required to repair full thickness rotator cuff tears.