- The pain is usually located in the front and side of the shoulder.
- Moving the arm sideways and/or forward usually makes the pain worse.
- Resting pain may occur, especially after exertion.
The rotator cuff refers to the muscles and tendons that move the shoulder joint and, together with the joint capsule, form a supportive soft tissue structure around the joint. The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body and a ball-and-socket joint that can move in virtually all directions. This poses a major challenge for function, as the range of motion is wide and varied, and support for movement relies largely on soft tissue, i.e., the rotator cuff. This is probably why various shoulder problems are so common. The shoulder receives additional support from its direct connection to the collarbone and shoulder blade, which support it in different positions and movements.
Symptoms of rotator cuff syndrome
- The most common shoulder symptom is pain and soreness in the front of the shoulder, especially when raising the arm from the side and in front. This is called painful arc, when pain is felt on 90-120 degree when raising arm from the side.
- Pain may also occur in the side and back of the shoulder in virtually all movements.
- Movements are restricted in a certain direction. The most common movement restriction, in addition to bringing the arm forward and to the side, is internal rotation.
- Pain and other symptoms in the biceps.
- Rotator cuff problems can also cause night pain, especially when trying to sleep on the affected side.
- Joint noises are common during movement.
- Rotator cuff problems are more common in older people.
- Functional limitations are easily apparent, for example, when throwing an object, tying your hair, putting on a jacket, reaching for an object above your head, and/or putting on a bra.
- Scapular and clavicular problems are common in long-term rotator cuff problems.
Persistent shoulder pain
Prolonged symptoms are usually caused by a combination of several factors rather than just one of the factors listed below.
- Physiological strain due to previous injuries, premature wear, or functional disorders, especially in the clavicle, shoulder blade, upper limb, neck, and mid-back areas on the same side.
- Excessive continuous and repetitive physical strain at work, in hobbies, or during leisure time.
- Psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, and/or excessive mental strain, commonly known as stress.
- Lifestyle factors, such as overly repetitive and insufficient exercise, inadequate or poor-quality sleep.
- Central nervous system sensitization.
Treatment and rehabilitation of shoulder pain
Treatment usually includes:
- Manual therapy to treat joint, muscle, and fascia dysfunctions.
- Neurological rehabilitation to address individual neurological deficits.
- Individual exercises to improve posture and movement.
- Acupuncture to treat pain and pain sensitization.
- Lifestyle guidance to improve exercise, sleep, rest, and eating habits.
Cervicogenic (Neck-related) headache
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Cervical intervertebral disc prolapse
Pain in the middle back / thoracic spine
Low back intervertebral disc problems
Hip flexor pain (Psoas syndrome)
Viimeksi päivitetty 13.10.2025
