What is rotator cuff tendinitis?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Rotator cuff tendinitis is a common shoulder condition in which the tendons connecting the rotator cuff muscles to the shoulder bones become inflamed or irritated. It typically causes shoulder pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion, especially when lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind the back. This condition is often triggered by repetitive overhead activities, aging, or shoulder injuries.

Because shoulder pain can stem from many different causes—ranging from mild strain to more serious injuries—it's important to understand what may be behind your symptoms before deciding on next steps. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and guidance on what to do next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Rotator cuff tendinitis is a condition where the tendons in the shoulder become irritated or damaged. It is part of a broader group of conditions known as rotator cuff tendinopathy. This condition can cause pain and make it hard to move your shoulder.

Causes

Intrinsic Factors: These are issues within the tendons themselves, such as aging or reduced blood flow.
Extrinsic Factors: These include things like repetitive movements or poor posture that put stress on the shoulder.

Symptoms

Pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm
Weakness in the shoulder
Difficulty sleeping on the affected side

If you're experiencing these symptoms and want to better understand what might be causing your shoulder pain, try our free AI-powered symptom checker to get personalized insights in minutes.

Treatment

Exercise: Exercises can help strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve movement.
Rest and Ice: Giving your shoulder a break and using ice can reduce pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy: A therapist can guide you through exercises and treatments to help your shoulder heal.

Understanding these aspects can help manage and alleviate the symptoms associated with rotator cuff tendinitis.

(References)

Lewis J, McCreesh K, Roy JS, & Ginn K. (2015). Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Navigating the Diagnosis- .... The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 26390274.
Seitz AL, McClure PW, Finucane S, Boardman ND 3rd, & Michener LA. (2011). Mechanisms of rotator cuff tendinopathy: intrinsic, extrinsic, .... Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 20846766.
de-Queiroz JHM, de-Medeiros MB, de-Lima RN, & Cerdeira DQ. (2022). Exercise for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Revista brasileira de medicina do trabalho : publicacao oficial da Associacao Nacional de Medicina do Trabalho-ANAMT, 36793454.

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