Rotator Cuff Tendonitis/Tendinosis

Tendonitis and tendinosis of the rotator cuff is a very common complaint we see in our office.  Often patients come in without a clear understanding of the difference between the two.  Identifying the difference is very important as treatment is basically opposite for each condition. 

Tendonitis would be considered the more acute reaction of injury or overload.  In cases of tendonitis, since there is a lot of inflammation present, we are looking toward letting the joint rest some while including treatment and easy movement that promotes tissue healing and integrity.  However, after the initial phase of inflammation and overload to the joint hasn’t been dealt with properly over time that tendonitis turns more into tendinosis which is more along the lines of degenerative types of changes.  In this case we need to be more active and load the joint more to stimulate tissue change and remodeling. 

With shoulder pain there are a few things that need to be identified when answering the question as to why the pain is present.  The first being is their proper mechanics of the shoulder blade to assist in proper function of the shoulder joint.  Secondly would be to identify if it may be simply more of a case of overuse such as baseball pitcher or weightlifter doing too much overhead activity.  Once the cause is correctly identified an appropriate plan will be laid out to work toward resolution of the pain syndrome.