The supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor are the four muscles that form the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that connect muscles on the shoulder blade, or scapula, to the upper arm bone, or humerus. A tendon is a fibrous band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. This particular group of tendons adds further stability to the shoulder joint and helps the upper arm move through specific movements. Tendinopathy, or tendon injury, in the rotator cuff can cause pain, swelling and stiffness. A patient should understand the causes of rotator cuff tendinopathy to prevent its occurrence.
Injury
Often injury can result in a rotator cuff tendinopathy, states Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health. A patient may injure his rotator cuff during competition in competitive contact or non-contact sports. For example, a blow to the shoulder during football, rugby or basketball can result in a rotator cuff tear. Furthermore, a sudden movement or excessive force can damage the rotator cuff in an athlete playing baseball or tennis, which are non-contact sports. A patient with a rotator cuff will likely feel or hear a pop at the time of injury, with associated pain, stiffness and swelling in the shoulder. In this case, a patient should see a doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment of a rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Overuse
Overusing the shoulder can cause a rotator cuff tendinopathy, states MayoClinic.com. Specifically, repetitive overhead lifting or swinging motions of the arm can cause a tendinopathy. For example, a painter that commonly paints overhead may notice a progressive increase in pain the shoulder, particularly when painting. Baseball pitchers may also notice a slow increase in shoulder pain with excessive pitching. In these examples, tendinitis, or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, is likely. Conservative treatments are preferred, such as ice, rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, surgery may be necessary in more severe cases that do not respond to conservative therapies.
Age
Medline Plus states that the loss of rotator cuff elasticity with age is a common cause of rotator cuff tendinopathy. As a patient becomes older, the rotator cuff tendons become stiff and more likely to become inflamed or tear with activity. Thus, older patients should perform regular shoulder exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff so that they remain strong and flexible. Any patient, especially older patients that are experiencing shoulder pain should seek the proper diagnosis and treatment from a physician.
