The rotator cuff tendons are a group of tendons that connect the deepest layer of muscles to the humerus. Shoulder pain may be localized in a specific area or may spread to areas around the shoulder or down the arm. Shoulder separation may be caused by a sudden, forceful blow to the shoulder or as a result of a fall. Bursitis often occurs when tendonitis and impingement syndrome cause inflammation of the bursa sacs that protect the shoulder.
Impingement syndrome is caused by the squeezing of the rotator cuff.
The injury may vary from mild inflammation to involvement of most of the rotator cuff. When the rotator cuff tendon becomes inflamed and thickened, it may get trapped under the acromion. Rotator cuff tear - one or more rotator cuff tendons become inflamed from overuse, aging, a fall on an outstretched hand, or a collision. Intermittent periods of use may cause inflammation and adhesions to grow between the joint surfaces thus restricting motion. There is also a lack of synovial fluid to lubricate the gap between the arm bone and socket that normally helps the shoulder joint to move.