Rotator Cuff Related Pain

What is it? 

Rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is an overarching term that encompasses a spectrum of shoulder conditions including; subacromial pain (impingement) syndrome, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and symptomatic partial and full thickness rotator cuff tears. It refers to pain and weakness in the shoulder with movements shoulder external rotation and elevation.

What is the cause? 

The cause of rotator cuff related pain that is as a consequence of excessive load on the rotator cuff tissues. The cause of rotator cuff tendinopathy can be multifactorial and can be attributed to extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms, as well as to environmental factors.

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain at rest and at night, particularly if lying on the affected shoulder.

• Pain when lifting and lowering your arm or with specific movements.

• Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm.

• Pain doing up your bra, reaching behind you and unable to do tasks of daily living.

What can we do about it? 

Research shows that the most effective treatment for this problem is a combination of activity modification, and exercise therapy.

Activity modification aims to reduce further overloading of the shoulder tendons, giving them time to settle down. Activities which typically aggravate this problem include reaching outwards or overhead. Therefore, to reduce this overload, consider whether you could:

• Temporarily reduce the amount of overhead work you do

• Step towards things instead of reaching out for them

• Use both hands to lift things rather than one

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Everybody is different, and this needs to be specific to your own activities and your own symptoms. Generally, if something causes significant pain that does not settle quickly once you stop the activity, you should consider whether you could adapt or reduce this activity.

Exercise therapy aims to gradually increase the amount of load that your shoulder can tolerate.

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Benefits of exercise therapy include:

• Reduced pain

• Improved range of movement

• Improved muscle strength

• Improved shoulder function