Rotator Cuff Tears and Tendinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Reviewed By – Dr. Sameer Gohir
PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN

What Is Rotator Cuff Injuries?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, essential for lifting and rotating the arm. Injuries to this area are common, often presenting as tendinopathy (inflammation and irritation of the tendons) or tears (partial or complete). These conditions can significantly impact movement and cause pain.

Shoulder pain or weakness from a rotator cuff injury? Joint Injection Clinic near Kent and Essex offers advanced care to help restore your shoulder strength and movement.

Schedule your consultation now!
Rotator Cuff Injuries

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries can result from a combination of factors, including:

  • Repetitive Overhead Motions: Activities involving repeated overhead movements, such as those in sports like baseball, swimming, and tennis, or occupations like painting and carpentry, can lead to overuse and wear and tear on the rotator cuff.
  • Aging and Degeneration: As people age, the tendons and ligaments in the shoulder can lose strength and flexibility, making them more susceptible to injury. Reduced blood flow to the tendons with age can also hinder their ability to repair themselves.
  • Acute Injury: A sudden fall on an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the shoulder can cause an immediate tear of the rotator cuff.
  • Bone Spurs: Bony growths (bone spurs) on the shoulder bone can rub against the rotator cuff tendons, causing irritation and potentially leading to tears.
  • Poor Posture: Slouching or poor posture can affect shoulder mechanics and put increased stress on the rotator cuff.
  • Genetics: A family history of shoulder problems or rotator cuff injuries may increase an individual’s risk.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Symptoms of rotator cuff tendinopathy and tears can vary but often include:

  • Pain in the shoulder, particularly when lifting the arm or reaching overhead.
  • Pain that worsens at night or when resting on the affected side.
  • Weakness and difficulty lifting or rotating the arm.
  • A clicking or popping sensation in the shoulder with movement.
  • Swelling and tenderness in the front of the shoulder.
  • Limited range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injuries

Treatment for rotator cuff injuries aims to reduce pain and inflammation, restore function, and prevent further damage. Treatment approaches depend on the severity of the injury and can include:

Nonsurgical Treatments:

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the shoulder is essential for healing.
  • Ice and Heat: Applying ice can help reduce pain and swelling, while heat can ease stiffness once the initial pain subsides.
  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation.
  • Physiotherapy: A Physiotherapist can guide patients through exercises to improve shoulder flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
  • Steroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the shoulder joint can help reduce pain and inflammation, providing temporary relief. There are new injections out there knows as ostenil tendons and one should consider those as well.
  • Arm Sling: In some cases, an arm sling may be used to immobilize the shoulder and allow it to heal.

Surgical Treatments:

Surgery may be recommended for complete rotator cuff tears or when nonsurgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief for partial tears. Surgical procedures can include:

  • Arthroscopic Repair: This minimally invasive technique involves using a small camera (arthroscope) and instruments inserted through small incisions to repair the torn tendon and remove bone spurs.
  • Open Repair: For severe or large tears, open surgery may be necessary, involving a larger incision to repair the tendon.
  • Debridement: For partial tears, the surgeon may trim frayed portions of the tendon to prevent further tearing.
  • Tendon Transfer or Reverse Shoulder Replacement: These procedures may be considered for tears that are not repairable due to their size or age.

Rehabilitation after surgery is crucial for regaining shoulder function and strength and can take several months to a year or more.

Prognosis and Prevention

With appropriate treatment, most individuals with rotator cuff injuries experience improvement in pain and function. Maintaining muscle flexibility and strength through exercises can help prevent symptomatic rotator cuff tears. While re-tears are possible, especially for larger initial tears, they may not always require surgery unless they cause severe pain or loss of movement.

If you experience persistent shoulder pain, weakness, or limited motion, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Get Help for Rotator Cuff Injuries at Joint Injection Clinic

Rotator cuff injuries can lead to shoulder pain, weakness, and limited movement, making everyday tasks like reaching, dressing, or lifting uncomfortable. If shoulder pain or weakness is affecting your sleep, work, or ability to stay active, professional treatment can help.

At Joint Injection Clinic, our experienced team offers evidence-based treatments to reduce pain, improve shoulder mobility, and support tendon healing.

We welcome patients at all three of our clinics:

Dartford Clinic – ideal for those in Kent and South East London

Address: Unit 30, 1st Floor, The Base Dartford Business Park, Victoria Road, Dartford, DA1 5FS.

Romford Clinic – easily accessible from Essex and Greater London

Address: Room no 8, Alliance Office Space 2-4 Eastern Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3PJ.

Canterbury Clinic – serving East Kent and surrounding areas

Address: 12-17 Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, CT1 2NF, United Kingdom.


Using ultrasound-guided scans for accurate diagnosis, precision-guided injections when needed, and tailored rehabilitation plans, we help you recover shoulder strength and reduce pain so you can return to your daily activities confidently.

Schedule your consultation now!