8 Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Disease

6. Stiffness and Tenderness

Over time, rotator cuff disease can cause the shoulder to become stiffer due to inflammation and the continued lack of movement. Some people develop frozen shoulder, which can last for months or years even after the rotator cuff injury is addressed. Most people with frozen shoulder feel moderate to severe pain for the first two to nine months. Then, the pain diminishes somewhat. However, increasing stiffness follows this stage, and may also involve tenderness around the injured tendons. Physical therapy is important for recovering full mobility of the affected shoulder.