The rotator cuff is a group of four strong rope-like fibres (tendons) and muscles surrounding your shoulder. Rotator cuff tendonitis can occur when tissues around the shoulder get damaged  or irritated.

This can be due to overuse with overhead activities eg tennis, or can occur acutely with an impact or fall. You may feel pain, stiffness and weakness in the shoulder or upper arm, which is often worse with everyday activities like getting dressed. You may have night pain and difficulty sleeping on that side.

It is important to have this stubborn condition assessed by your local Physio who will analyse your shoulder function to determine any predisposing factors to your injury, for instance weak shoulder girdle muscles or poor posture. In some cases you may need to have scans such as an Ultrasound, but this stubborn condition can often be successfully treated with a good home exercise program and sensible treatment.