The rotator cuff is composed of four muscles, each of which has a tendon that attaches to the upper arm bone (the humerus).

• Supraspinatus
• Infraspinatus
• Teres minor
• Subscapularis

These tendons form a cuff around the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) These tendons attach to the front and side of the humerus and the greater and lesser tubercles (part of the upper humerus).

Rotator cuff tendinitis occurs when the tendons are injured, usually as a result of repetitive overhead reaching, pushing, or lifting with outstretched arms. Athletes who perform overhead activity, such as swimming, tennis, throwing, golf, weightlifting, volleyball, and gymnastics.

• An arc of shoulder pain approximately when your arm is at shoulder height and/or when your arm is overhead.
• Shoulder pain that can extend from the top of the shoulder to the elbow.
• Pain when lying on the sore shoulder
• Shoulder pain at rest as your condition deteriorates
• Muscle weakness or pain when attempting to reach or lift
• Pain when putting your hand behind you back or head.
• Pain reaching for the seat-belt.

• Goal of treatment - reduce pain, restore function.
• Nonsurgical Treatment - In most cases, initial treatment is nonsurgical. Although nonsurgical treatment may take several weeks to months, many patients experience a gradual improvement and return to function.
• Rest- Rest is advised and avoiding overhead activities.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling.

• Stretching exercises to improve range of motion
• If you have difficulty reaching behind your back, you may have developed tightness of the posterior capsule of the shoulder (capsule refers to the inner lining of the shoulder and posterior refers to the back of the shoulder).
• Specific stretching of the posterior capsule can be very effective in relieving pain in the shoulder.
• Once your pain is improving, your therapist can start you on a strengthening program for the rotator cuff muscles.