Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Shoulder - Pathology

Rotator cuff tendinopathy presents as shoulder pain with overhead activity, often due to overuse and poor mechanics.

Biomechanical Mechanism

Repeated overhead loading with poor scapular control or insufficient cuff strength leads to tendon overload.

Clinical Rationale

Tendon adaptation requires gradual loading. Proper mechanics reduce irritation and improve tolerance.

Practical Solution

Use pain-free isometrics and progressive loading with strict scapular control.

Common Compensations

• Painful arc
• Scapular hiking
• Reduced overhead ROM

Correctives

• Isometric cuff loading
• Scapular stabilization
• Gradual load progression

Progression

1. Level 1: Isometrics
2. Level 2: Light resistance
3. Level 3: Eccentric loading
4. Level 4: Overhead integration

Regression

• Reduce load
• Avoid painful arcs
• Use assisted ROM

Red Flags

• Night pain
• Severe weakness
• Trauma

Differential Diagnosis

• Rotator cuff tear
• Impingement
• Labral pathology

Related Patterns

• rotator cuff weakness

Related Exercises

• external rotation band
• scapular squeeze

Related Assessments

• painful arc assessment
• empty can assessment