Supraspinatus tendinopathy is a collective name for various disorders of supraspinatus tendon
- Supraspinatus tendinitis, an acute inflammation of the tendon due to friction of the tendon against the shoulder bones during repetitive shoulder use, especially in overhead work (swimming, painting, tennis).
- Supraspinatus tendinosis refers to chronic degeneration and destruction of the tendon making it prone to rupture.
- Supraspinatus tear is the end-result of repeated tendon injury from shoulder overuse resulting in shoulder weakness and pain during lifting the arm.
- Calcific supraspinatus tendinopathy occurs in the part of the tendon that is constantly exposed to friction; it is a part of the normal body reaction to frictional irritation.
Supraspinatus tendinopathy is recognized by pain that begins midway during lifting of the arm upwards, and disappears when the arm is fully up.