Rotator-Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain: Assessment and Clinical Classification
This blog will help you determine what RCRSP means, assess it in a structured way, and classify patients so that management matches the presentation.
Condition
Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Loading protocols and assessment for rotator cuff related shoulder pain.
ICD-10-CM: M75.1
Rotator cuff tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, affecting the tendons that stabilise and move the shoulder. It usually develops gradually from overload rather than a single injury, causing pain with reaching, lifting, and sleeping on the affected side.
The strongest evidence supports physiotherapy — specifically progressive strengthening that gradually rebuilds the tendon's tolerance to load. In this guide we cover assessment and evidence-based loading protocols for rotator cuff related shoulder pain — practical, staged guidance for clinicians and clear explanations so patients understand why patience and consistent exercise lead to the best recovery.