What causes rotator cuff tendonitis?
Rotator cuff tendonitis is caused by irritation and inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. It tends to have an acute (sudden) onset. There is often a specific preceding injury. It can happen because of recent overuse of the shoulder. For example, it can occur in athletes, particularly those who participate in throwing sports. In non-athletes, there may be a history of recent heavy lifting or activities involving repetitive movements of the shoulder. Sometimes the rotator cuff tendons can become ‘calcified’. This is when calcium is deposited in the tendons due to long standing inflammation. This is called calcific tendonitis.
