Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common condition that affects the shoulders of many people. It occurs when there is damage or degeneration in one or more of the tendons that connect the muscles around the shoulder joint to the upper arm bone. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, trauma, and age-related changes. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common triggers for rotator cuff tendinopathy and discuss what you can do to prevent or manage this condition.
Overuse
One of the most common triggers for rotator cuff tendinopathy is overuse. This can occur when you repeatedly perform activities that require overhead arm movements, such as tennis, swimming, or painting. Over time, these activities can cause small tears in your rotator cuff tendons which can lead to inflammation and pain. If left untreated, this inflammation can develop into rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Trauma
Another trigger for rotator cuff tendinopathy is trauma. This can occur when you experience a sudden injury to your shoulder or fall on an outstretched arm. These types of injuries can cause tears in your rotator cuff tendons which may lead to pain and weakness in your shoulder joint.
Age-Related Changes
As we age, our bodies naturally undergo changes that can make us more susceptible to certain conditions like rotator cuff tendinopathy. As we get older, our tendons become less elastic and more prone to degeneration which makes them more likely to tear or become inflamed.
Poor Posture
Poor posture is another factor that contributes to rotator cuff tendinopathy because it puts extra stress on your shoulders and upper back muscles which can lead to strain and inflammation of your rotator cuff tendons.
Muscle Imbalances
Another factor that can trigger rotator cuff tendinopathy is muscle imbalances. This occurs when certain muscles around the shoulder joint become stronger or weaker than others, leading to an uneven distribution of force on your rotator cuff tendons. This uneven force can cause tears and inflammation over time.
Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common condition that can be triggered by a variety of factors including overuse, trauma, age-related changes, poor posture, and muscle imbalances. By understanding these triggers, you can take steps to prevent or manage this condition. If you are experiencing shoulder pain or weakness, it’s important to see a physiotherapist or chiropractor who can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment options such as stretching exercises, manual therapy, or in severe cases surgery. Remember that early intervention is key to preventing further damage and restoring full function to your shoulder joint.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
