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rotator cuff tendonitis is a common type of sports injury that many individuals over 40 years of age may suffer. Common terms for cuff tendonitis are tennis shoulder, pitchers shoulder and swimmers shoulder. Repetitive movements such as those associated with having the arms overhead, such as pitching a baseball can cause this condition.

The tendons of the shoulders may become inflamed by overuse or misuse causing cuff tendonitis. You do not have to be an avid sports player for tendons to tear causing cuff tendonitis. While simply rolling over in bed and even landing on the shoulder while falling may injure tendons.

Cuff tendonitis may be acute or chronic. Over the years, you can develop chronic tendonitis with repetitive overhead activities like the movements that are often used by weightlifters and other athletes. Overstretching, tearing or rupturing the tendons of the shoulder can cause injuries that can result in acute tendonitis.

A general weakness of the area, intensifying pain, intense nightly pain while resting as well as the inability of lifting the arm over the head or out to the side are all symptoms of chronic cuff tendonitis. Acute cuff tendonitis may result in muscle spasms and severe pain. Bruising can occur when the tendons bleed.

Treatment for cuff tendonitis depends upon how severe the damage is. You may be able to treat the injury at home by using ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and ice packs to relieve pain and swelling. Tears in the tendon may require surgical repair. In either case, the tendon must be allowed to rest in order to heal.

You can treat and prevent tendonitis with physical therapy. Strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff muscles may be prescribed. Another thing you should consider is steroids injections into the joint to help relieve swelling and pain so the shoulder regains full range of motion, when the pain of doing exercises is too painful.

Various forms of treatment for cuff tendonitis can be effective. Many individuals can regain the normal use of their arms and shoulders as well as resume their daily activities as they did before incurring the injury. For the elderly, healing from severe tendon tears and injuries may take a little longer.

Cuff tendonitis that is not allowed to heal properly can lead to bursitis, which is an inflammation of the fluid filled cavity of the shoulder. The function of the bursa is to lessen friction from moving tendons and muscles in the shoulder joint. When the bursa becomes inflamed, you will experience pain and limited arm movement.

Cuff tendonitis is not something that you can prevent, although you should avoid any repetitive movement that may cause tendon strain. Take the time to build the strength in the muscles of the shoulder. Be careful not to land on your shoulder while playing sports or taking a misfortunate falls.

Although it may be annoyingly painful, most of the time cuff tendonitis is not serious. Most often you can treat the condition at home, however if the pain is severe or relentless you should consider consulting with your physician.

Tom Nicholson spends his time helping sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. Please click here to find out more regardingcuff tendonitis.