Rotator Cuff Injuries

What is the rotator cuff?

Your rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and several tendons in your shoulder. These muscles form a cover around the head of the humerus which is the upper arm bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. These muscles and tendons work in the shoulder joint to keep the humerus from popping out. This makes the rotator cuff critical for stability as well as the range of motion of the shoulder.

What is a rotator cuff injury?

A rotator cuff injury includes any type of irritation or damage such as a tear, strain, or inflammation of your rotator cuff muscles or tendons.

Who is at risk?

Any one can get a rotator cuff injury. People who are older are at higher risks because of natural wear and tear of your muscles.

What causes rotator cuff injuries?

Possible causes of rotator cuff injuries include:

• A single traumatic injury such as falling
• Repetitive use: For example, baseball pitchers, swimmers, and tennis players are at high risks of rotator cuff injuries. Another example is pulling your seatbelt strap although this action would be more like to lead to rotator cuff injury in an older person.
• Lifting heavy weights
• Natural deterioration of muscles
• Posture

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness in your shoulder especially when lifting the arm
• Shoulder weakness
• Loss of shoulder range of motion

Treatment Options

• Cold Laser
• Kinesio tape
• Exercise
• Aquatic therapy
• Surgery
• Ice or heat
• Yoga