PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Tendinopathies are a broad topic that can be examined from the lab to their impact upon function. Improved understanding will serve to bring this pathology to the forefront of discussion, whether in the clinic or the classroom. The purpose of this current concepts clinical commentary is to explore intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy in order to improve clinical and research understanding. METHODS: Pubmed, Medline, Cinahl, PEDro, and Cochrane databases were searched, limiting results to those published in the English language, between the years of 2005 and 2012. The key search terms utilized were intrinsic mechanisms, tendinopathy, stem cells, biologics, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), healing, rotator cuff tears, full-thickness tears, tests, impingement, imaging, ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), radiograph, shoulder advances, treatment, diagnoses, tendon disorders, pathogenesis, matrix metalloproteinase, injections, and RC repair. Over 150 abstracts were reviewed and 43 articles were analyzed for quality and relevance using the University of Alberta Evidence Based Medicine Toolkit. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests that tendinopathies arise from a multivariate etiology.It is increasingly evident that intrinsic mechanisms play a greater role than extrinsic mechanisms in this process. Emphasis should be placed on patient information (i.e. background information and personal description of symptoms) and imaging/ injection techniques in order to aid in diagnosis. Future treatment technologies such as cell therapy and biological engineering offer the hope of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5 - Clinical Commentary Related to a Review of Literature.