Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy / Tear

Diagram showing normal shoulder anatomy with labels for clavicle, supraspinatus muscle, acromion, bursa, humerus, supraspinatus tendon, rotator cuff, coracoid process, glenoid, and scapula; and diagram showing shoulder impingement with labels for inflamed tissues, trapped tendon, and bursae.

What it is:
Irritation or damage to the rotator cuff muscles that stabilize the shoulder.

Common symptoms:

  • Pain with overhead movements (lifting, reaching)

  • Weakness in the shoulder

  • Pain when lying on the affected side

  • Difficulty lifting weights or throwing

Diagram of shoulder anatomy showing acromion, clavicle, bursa, long head of biceps tendon, shoulder muscles, scapula, humerus, rotator cuff tendons.
A woman in athletic gear is receiving a shoulder massage from a fitness instructor in a gym.