Rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a loading failure. The tendon has been repeatedly stressed beyond its adaptive capacity, resulting in structural changes and pain. The evidence is clear: the treatment is progressive tendon loading, not rest and passive therapy. At Motion Theory, we apply current tendinopathy science to build your cuff back systematically.
Who It's For
Patients with supraspinatus, infraspinatus, or subscapularis tendinopathy including those with a previous diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinitis, shoulder impingement syndrome, or partial-thickness tears. Both acute presentations and chronic tendinopathies that have not responded to previous treatment.
What We Assess
We assess rotator cuff strength, scapular kinematics, overhead mechanics, and the load history contributing to the tendinopathy. Pain provocation testing identifies the specific tendons involved and guides load prescription.
Treatment Approach
Treatment follows a contemporary tendinopathy loading protocol: isometric loading first to reduce pain and neural inhibition, followed by isotonic loading with progressive resistance, then functional overhead integration. Passive therapy plays a minimal role as the tendon needs load, not rest.
Recovery Pathway
Isometric Loading
Isometric rotator cuff contractions at 70 percent effort for pain management and early tendon stimulation, typically 2 weeks.
Isotonic Progressive Loading
Resistance training of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, progressively increasing load over 8 to 12 weeks.
Overhead & Sport Return
Overhead mechanics retraining and sport or occupation-specific load integration with objective testing.
Clinic Location & Access
Located at 1367 West Broadway in Vancouver, Motion Theory is situated in the Fairview medical corridor, in close proximity to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). We serve patients from Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and the broader Metro Vancouver area.
Common Questions
Should I rest my shoulder if it hurts?
Short-term activity modification yes, but extended rest no. Tendons require mechanical loading to remodel and heal. Complete rest consistently leads to worse long-term outcomes for tendinopathy.
Will cortisone injections help rotator cuff tendinopathy?
Cortisone may reduce pain in the short term but does not address the underlying tendon pathology and is associated with tendon weakening with repeated use. Loading-based rehabilitation produces better long-term outcomes.
I have had this pain for 2 years. Is physio still going to work?
Yes. Chronic tendinopathies respond very well to progressive loading protocols, often better than shorter-duration presentations. The key is the correct loading prescription and consistency.
Related Services
Registered Clinicians
All practitioners are registered with their respective provincial colleges in British Columbia.
Evidence-Based
Treatment protocols are grounded in current peer-reviewed literature and clinical guidelines.
Direct Billing
Available for ICBC claims and most major extended health benefit providers.