Our shoulders play an essential role in our upper body movements. However, it is also one of the most common parts of the body that can be injured due to overuse, repetitive movements or bad posture. One of the most common shoulder injuries is rotator cuff tendinopathy. It occurs when the tendons in the rotator cuff muscle group become inflamed causing pain and discomfort. Understanding the symptoms of this condition is crucial to seek prompt medical attention. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of rotator cuff tendinopathy and the treatment options available.
Pain and discomfort
The most common symptoms of rotator cuff tendinopathy is pain and discomfort in the shoulder area. The pain may start as a dull ache and may progress to a sharp shooting pain, this can trigger rotator cuff tendinopathy pain when you move your arm in certain positions. You may also feel pain and discomfort when you are lying on the affected shoulder.
Weakness
Another symptom of rotator cuff tendinopathy is weakness in the shoulder area. You may feel that your arm is weaker than usual or have difficulty lifting heavy objects. You may also notice that you have trouble performing certain tasks that were once easy for you, such as throwing a ball.
Limited range of motion
Rotator cuff tendinopathy can also lead to a limited range of motion, making it challenging to perform certain movements. You may experience difficulty in lifting your arm above your head, reaching out to grab things, or putting on your clothes. This is very prevalent in severe stages of rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Clicking or popping sounds
In some cases, you may hear a clicking or popping sound when you move your shoulder. This is known as crepitus. It is not always a cause for concern, but if it is accompanied by pain or discomfort, it is essential to seek medical attention.
Numbness or tingling
Finally, rotator cuff tendinopathy can also cause numbness or tingling in the arm or hand. This occurs when the inflamed tendon pinches a nerve, causing a sensation of pins and needles in the affected area.
In conclusion, rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common shoulder injury that can cause pain, weakness, limited range of motion, clicking or popping sounds, and numbness or tingling in some cases. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent further damage to the rotator cuff muscle group. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care are two of the most effective treatment options for rotator cuff tendinopathy. A qualified physiotherapist or chiropractor can help diagnose and manage your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you return to your normal activities. Remember, it’s always better to take care of your health and seek professional help than to risk further injury by ignoring your symptoms.
