The rotator cuff is a tendinous blade that covers the anterior, upper and posterior side of the shoulder joint capsule. It is composed of the tendons of 4 different muscles, namely:

➢ supraspinatus muscle

➢ infraspinatus muscle

➢ small round muscle

➢ subscapularis muscle

By the action of the rotator cuff, the humeral head is maintained in the shoulder joint and ensures the rotational and lifting movements of the arm. The dysfunctionality of the rotator cuff allows the superior migration of the humeral head and the tendons of the muscles that make up the rotator cuff can break if they are overworked or injured.

Tendinitis, which represents inflammation of the tendon, especially affects the supraspinatus muscle, which originates in the supraspinatus fossa of the shoulder blade and is inserted through a tendon on the large tubercle of the humerus (arm bone).

The function of the supraspinatus muscle is to stabilize the shoulder and also participates in raising the arm to the side.

When the tendon is subjected to excessive repetitive stress, as in the case of sports that involve repetitive movements of the arm (golf, swimming) it can become weakened favoring inflammation.

Tendons of the rotator muscles are also prone to degenerative changes, especially after the age of 50. These degenerative changes further predispose the tendons to inflammation and even to their rupture.

Among other causes that favor tendinitis of the supraspinatus muscle, we mention:

✓ Hypertrophy of the rotator cuff muscles

✓ Inflammation of the subacrocomial bursa

✓ Neural segmental lesions at C5/C6 level that can lead to weakening of the rotator cuff muscles

✓ Subscapular mononeuropathy

Locally applied ice, in sessions of 5-10 minutes, repeated 3-5 times/day, significantly helps reduce inflammation. Always put a thin towel between the ice and the area on which it is applied or wrap the ice in a thin towel, so as not to irritate the skin.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, in the form of tablets or local ointments, help reduce pain and inflammation, but are indicated to be administered for short periods of time. Cortisone injections (a stronger anti-inflammatory) can be administered locally where pain and inflammation do not decrease.

Specific stretching exercises, active exercises and resistance exercises are indicated, which aim at:

➢ toning the muscles around the shoulder

➢ reducing pain

➢ regaining degrees of movement in the joint

➢ restoring flexibility and increasing muscle tone

➢ gradually resuming sports activity, professional activity and usual daily activities

➢ prevention of relapses or other complications

✓ Introduce exercises for toning the muscles of the rotator cuff into your daily routine.

✓ During workouts, make sure you use the most appropriate training methods, avoiding overloading the shoulder joint and wearing the tensors. Shoulder loading in weightlifting training should be progressive and increase by about 10% weekly.

✓ Do not ignore the pain in the shoulder, when it occurs you should interrupt the activities that cause it and treat it properly

✓ Avoid using the arm raised above the head as it can accentuate the wear and inflammation of the tendon.