Rotator cuff tendonitis, also known as rotator cuff tendinopathy of rotator cuff impingement syndrome, is a common condition characterised by inflammation or irritation of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder. It often occurs due to repetitive overhead activities, trauma, poor posture, or ageing.

Conditions:

Rotator cuff tendonitis can be associated with various conditions, including:

• Subacromial bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa beneath the acromion, often contributing to rotator cuff impingement.
• Rotator cuff tears: Degeneration and tears in the rotator cuff tendons, sometimes developing from chronic tendonitis.
• Impingement syndrome: Compression of the rotator cuff tendons and subacromial bursa between the humeral head and acromion during arm movements.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis:

• Pain in the shoulder, often worse with overhead activities or reaching behind the back.
• Weakness and loss of strength in the affected shoulder.
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side due to pain.
• Limited range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Diagnosis:

• Medical history and physical examination: Evaluating your symptoms, shoulder function, and pain patterns.
• Imaging studies:
  • X-rays: May reveal bone spurs or changes in the acromion shape, but often normal for rotator cuff problems.
  • MRI or ultrasound: Can visualize the rotator cuff tendons, detect inflammation, tears, and other abnormalities.

• Rotator Cuff Treatment Options:
• Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate pain and allowing the shoulder to heal.
• Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises focusing on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring proper shoulder mechanics to enhance movement and reduce pain.
• Medications:
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage pain and inflammation.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids directly into the inflamed area to provide targeted pain relief and reduce inflammation.
• Bursa Injection: Injection of corticosteroids into the subacromial bursa, specifically targeting the inflamed bursa to offer localized pain relief and reduce inflammation.
• Regenerative Therapy:
  • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections: Injections of a concentrated solution derived from the patient's own blood, containing platelets and growth factors, delivered into the injured tendon using ultrasound guidance to promote healing and tissue repair.
  • BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) Injections: Similar to PRP injections, but utilizing stem cells and growth factors harvested from the patient's bone marrow to aid in tissue regeneration and healing.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and personalised management of rotator cuff tendonitis, including consideration of conservative treatments and interventional options such as injections or regenerative therapy.