The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that stabilise your shoulder. When one of their tendons becomes irritated or overloaded, the result is rotator cuff tendinitis, a common cause of shoulder pain in adults.
Common symptoms
- Pain when lifting or reaching overhead
- Aching at night, especially lying on the shoulder
- Weakness when raising the arm
- Pain that builds gradually rather than after a single injury
What causes it
It is usually an overload problem: repetitive overhead activity, a sudden increase in training or work demands, or weakness that leaves the tendon doing more than it can handle. Posture and shoulder-blade control often play a role.
How Physiotherapy treats it
Treatment starts by settling the pain, then progressively loads the tendon with targeted exercise to rebuild capacity. We add manual therapy for stiffness and, where appropriate, options such as injection therapy for stubborn cases. Most people improve well without surgery.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own symptoms, book an assessment with a Chartered Physiotherapist.
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