Tackling rotator cuff syndrome: Diagnosis and treatment

Rotator cuff tendinitis, or tendonitis, affects the tendons and muscles that help move the shoulder joint. If you have tendinitis, it means that your tendons are inflamed or irritated. Rotator cuff tendinitis is also called impingement syndrome.

This condition usually occurs over time. It can be the result of keeping the shoulder in one position for a while, sleeping on the shoulder every night, or participating in activities that require extending the arm over the head.

Sometimes, rotator cuff tendinitis can occur without any known cause. Most people with rotator cuff tendinitis are able to regain full function of the shoulder without any pain.

What are the symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis? Pain and swelling in the front of the shoulder and side of the arm; pain triggered by raising or lowering the arm; a clicking sound when raising the arm; stiffness; pain that causes you to wake from sleep; pain when reaching behind the back; a loss of mobility and strength in the affected arm.

How is rotator cuff tendinitis diagnosed? If you’re having symptoms your doctor will begin by examining your shoulder. You’ll be checked to see where you’re feeling pain and tenderness. Your doctor will also test your range of motion by asking you to move your arm in certain directions.

He may also test the strength of your shoulder joint by asking you to press against his hand. They may also examine your neck to check for conditions such as a pinched nerve or arthritis that can cause symptoms similar to rotator cuff tendinitis.

How is rotator cuff tendinitis treated? Initial treatment involves managing pain and swelling to promote healing.

This can be done by: avoiding activities that cause pain; applying cold packs to your shoulder three to four times per day; taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The author is a physiotherapist at C & P Health Centre, Nairobi