Are you experiencing shoulder pain or weakness? Is it difficult to lift your arm above your head? 

You might be dealing with a rotator cuff injury — one of the most common sources of shoulder pain.

But how do you know if you're dealing with a rotator cuff tear or tendonitis? Let's take a look at some of the key differences between these two injuries. 

What Is the Rotator Cuff? 

The group of muscles and tendons that attach your shoulder blade to your upper arm bone makes up your rotator cuff. These muscles help lift the arm and are responsible for rotating it inwards and outwards. 

 When something goes wrong with your rotator cuff, you suddenly realize how much you depend on it daily — whether brushing your hair, getting dressed, or reaching for something off the shelf. When an injury to the rotator cuff occurs, the pain can begin to feel debilitating. 

What Causes Rotator Cuff Pain? 

There are two common sources of rotator cuff pain. 

Rotator cuff tendonitis occurs when the tendons become irritated and inflamed. This condition is also referred to as impingement or bursitis.

Rotator cuff tears occur when one or more of the tendons partially or fully tear. A partial tear is where the tendon isn’t entirely detached from the bone, whereas a full-thickness tear is when the tendon has completely torn away.

Both of these injuries can occur as a result of:

• Repetitive overhead motions - Rotator cuff injuries are common in activities like swimming, pitching a baseball, or serving a tennis ball. People whose jobs require overhead movements, such as carpenters or painters, are also at higher risk.

• Degeneration from aging - The gradual wear and tear can break down the tendons over time.

• Sudden trauma - A rotator cuff tear can occur suddenly from an injury, like falling with an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the shoulder.

What Symptoms Point Towards a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Rotator cuff tears and tendonitis can have similar symptoms; however, the symptoms are usually more severe when tears are present.

People with rotator cuff tendonitis may experience:

• Dull ache in the shoulder

• Sharp pain when raising an arm overhead

• Pain at night that can interfere with sleep

• Swelling

• Stiffness

People with a rotator cuff tear may experience:

• Intense pain when trying to raise an arm overhead

• Pain that wakes you from your sleep

• Pain when you're not moving the shoulder

• Shoulder weakness

• Crepitus (a grinding or popping sensation)

• Swelling 

• Tenderness 

How Are Rotator Cuff Injuries Treated?

If you're suffering from rotator cuff pain, the first step is to see an orthopaedic specialist so they can properly diagnose the condition.

Dr. Sterett, a leading shoulder specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, will recommend conservative treatment methods first whenever possible. These may include:

• Rest

• Ice

• Physical therapy

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 

• Arm sling

• Physical therapy

If you've experienced a complete tear or nonsurgical treatments aren't effective, Dr. Sterett may recommend surgery to help you get back to the activities or sports you love. Learn more about rotator cuff surgery. 

Contact Vail Valley's Rotator Cuff Injury Specialist Today!

If you're experiencing rotator cuff pain or think you have a shoulder injury, contact Dr. Sterett and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery today. Whether your goal is to get back to a high level of sports performance or to return to your weekend activities without pain, Team Sterett will design a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle. 

Call (970) 476-7220 to make an appointment or use Team Sterett's online form. 

Same-day and telemedicine appointments are often available!