Definition

Tendinopathy is an injury to the tendon. It can cause pain, swelling, and limit movement. The injuries can include:

• Tendinitis—an inflammation of the tendon. (Although this term is used often, most cases of tendinopathy are not associated with significant inflammation.)
• Tendinosis—microtears (tiny breaks) in the tendon tissue with no significant inflammation.

There are several shoulder tendons including the rotator cuff and biceps tendons. These tendons keep the head of the humerus (the upper arm bone) in the shoulder socket. Tendinopathy and the associated pain may take months to resolve.

The Shoulder Tendons

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