What is the rotator cuff?The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that are positioned around the shoulder joint. The muscles are named:
- Teres minor
What are the types of rotator cuff injury/inflammation?There are a number of different problems that can affect the rotator cuff and lead to rotator cuff injury or inflammation. The most common problems include:
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Rotator cuff impingement syndrome
- Rotator cuff tear
Rotator cuff tendonitis
Who gets rotator cuff tendonitis?Rotator cuff tendonitis is the most common cause of shoulder pain.
What causes rotator cuff tendonitis?Rotator cuff tendonitis is caused by irritation and inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. It tends to have an acute (sudden) onset. There is often a specific preceding injury. It can happen because of recent overuse of the shoulder. For example, it can occur in athletes, particularly those who participate in throwing sports. In non-athletes, there may be a history of recent heavy lifting or activities involving repetitive movements of the shoulder.
Sometimes the rotator cuff tendons can become calcified. This is when calcium is deposited in the tendons, due to long-standing inflammation. This is called calcific tendonitis.