Rotator cuff tendinopathy: update on the pathophysiology and the diagnostic-therapeutic approach

Abstract

Shoulder pain is the third cause of consultation in primary care related to joint pain and rotator cuff tendinopathy is the most common of them, it affects the quality of life of those how suffer from it.  The pathology comprises an umbrella of terms that makes research difficult to make; in addition, the physiopathology is complex and not entirely known. The most widely accepted theory of pathogenesis is the mechanical theory. The diagnosis is mainly clinical without the need of radiological confirmation. To this day, management of the pathology is still conservative, with therapeutic modalities focused on reduction of pain and improvement in function of the joint. Furthermore, none of the therapeutic approaches have proved to regenerate the tendons. Progressive load exercises to the tendon have shown to be the most effective treatment modality in the conservative approach to the pathology, although the best protocol has not been stablished yet; moreover, many of the patients don´t respond adequately to this modality, therefore, it is important to consider adjunct therapies as a complement to exercises without substituting them. One of the most recent adjunct therapies is platelet rich plasma, it has been theoretically suggested that it has the capacity to regenerate the injured tendon since platelets are rich in growth factors. Nonetheless, its role has only been evaluated in terms of reduction of pain and improvement in function of the joint. Rehabilitation programs should be multimodal and individualized in order to be successful.