Rotator cuff tendinitis occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed or irritated, leading to pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting or rotating the arm. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder and allow for smooth movement. This condition is common in people who perform repetitive overhead motions, such as swimming, tennis, painting, or carpentry, but it can also develop with age-related tendon wear and reduced flexibility. Diagnosis is typically made through a physical exam, where a provider checks for pain with movement and strength limitations, and may be confirmed with imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI to assess inflammation or tendon damage.

Symptoms often include pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or reaching behind the back. Many people also experience clicking or weakness in the arm, and pain may worsen at night, particularly when lying on the affected side.

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and restoring shoulder function. Resting the shoulder and avoiding painful activities is important for healing. Ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help relieve pain and swelling. Physical therapy is essential for strengthening the rotator cuff muscles and improving shoulder movement. For more persistent cases, steroid injections may help reduce inflammation, and if symptoms do not improve, surgery may be considered to repair damaged tendons.

For additional healing support, regenerative medicine therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or biologic treatments using fat or bone marrow-derived cells, may help promote tendon repair and reduce inflammation.

Early treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and improve shoulder function. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.