If you have ever experienced any type of shoulder pain, it’s likely you have heard the term rotator cuff. But despite this term being tossed around by many medical professionals, few people actually fully understand what the rotator cuff is and why it matters.
So let’s dive in to understand exactly what the rotator cuff is and what you can do if you have a rotator cuff injury.
What is a rotator cuff injury?
First, we need to understand that the rotator cuff is made up of four muscles called the infraspinatus, supraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor.
These muscles are responsible for stabilizing your shoulder and helping the bones of your shoulder glide with proper mechanics.
If one of these muscles or their corresponding tendons gets strained, partially torn, or completely torn, you will likely experience pain and instability in your shoulder.
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?
Rotator cuff related pain often presents as a steady ache deep within the shoulder that can refer down into your arm towards your elbow.
If you have a rotator cuff injury, you will likely experience pain any time you go to move your arm or carry a heavy item.
If your rotator cuff is completely torn, you may not be able to lift your arm or hold it up at all.
What are the causes of a rotator cuff injury?
The rotator cuff is most often injured by lifting something heavy overhead or when playing a sport where repetitive overhead motion is involved.
As we age, our rotator cuff tends to degenerate and is easier to strain secondary to that tissue degeneration.
Potential Diagnoses associated with rotator cuff injury
You can have a rotator cuff related diagnosis in isolation or it may be associated with one of the following shoulder diagnoses as well:
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Rotator cuff partial or full tear
- Shoulder impingement
- SLAP tear (tear in the cartilage surrounding shoulder)
Did you know?
Did you know that 30-50% of people who are over the age of 50 will experience an injury to their rotator cuff?
People often assume rotator cuff injuries only occur in athletes who participate in aggressive sports. But the percentage of people who experience rotator cuff tears in their later years is far greater than the number of athletes who experience a rotator cuff tear.
This is why it is critical to care for your body throughout your lifetime and to get the care you need if you are experiencing shoulder pain.
