Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Rotator cuff tendinopathy presents as shoulder pain with overhead activity, often due to overuse and poor mechanics.
Shoulder - PathologyBiomechanical 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
- 1Level 1: Isometrics
- 2Level 2: Light resistance
- 3Level 3: Eccentric loading
- 4Level 4: Overhead integration
Regression
- Reduce load
- Avoid painful arcs
- Use assisted ROM
Red Flags
- Night pain
- Severe weakness
- Trauma
Differential Diagnosis
Rotator cuff tearImpingementLabral pathology
Related Assessments
painful arc assessmentempty can assessment
Related Exercises
external rotation bandscapular squeeze
