Rotator Cuff Injury

What Is Rotator Cuff Injury?

The rotator cuff is the group of tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint. The tendons hook up to the five muscles that move the shoulder in various directions. The rotator cuff can be injured because of degeneration with ageing or inflammation due to tendinitis, bursitis, or arthritis of the shoulder.

The rotator cuff is commonly injured by trauma (such as from falling and injuring the shoulder or overuse in sports). Rotator cuff injury is particularly common in people who perform repetitive overhead motions that can stress the rotator cuff. These motions are frequently associated with muscle fatigue.

Symptoms Of Rotator Cuff Injury

Rotator cuff injury is suggested by the patient’s history of activities and symptoms of pain in the shoulder described above. In making a diagnosis, the doctor can observe increased pain with certain movements of the shoulder. The pain is due to local inflammation and swelling in the injured tendons of the rotator cuff.

Additionally, with severe tendon tears of the rotator cuff, the arm falls due to weakness when moved away from the body.

Suggestions For Managing Rotator Cuff Injury

The management of rotator cuff disease depends on the severity of the injury to the tendons of the rotator cuff and the underlying condition of the patient.

Mild rotator cuff disease is treated with ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen and others). Generally, physical therapy such as osteopathy using gradual exercise rehabilitation is required. Exercises are used that are specifically designed for rotator-cuff strengthening.

Patients with persistent pain and motion limitation can often benefit by a cortisone injection in the rotator cuff. More severe rotator cuff disease can require surgical repair.