Overview
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| Rotator cuff injury Overview |
The rotator cuff is a set of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and retain the upper arm bone's head firmly in the shoulder's shallow socket. A rotator cuff injury can result in a dull aching in the shoulder that often gets worse when the arm is used away from the body.
Rotator cuff injuries are common and become more so as people become older. People who work in vocations that demand them to execute repetitive overhead motions may experience these symptoms sooner. Painters and carpenters are two examples.
Physical therapy exercises that enhance the flexibility and strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint can help many people with rotator cuff dysfunction manage their symptoms and return to activities.
Rotator cuff tears can sometimes arise as a result of a single injury. In some cases, a medical evaluation should be conducted as quickly as possible to discuss the surgical options. Extensive rotator cuff injuries may not be repairable, however alternate tendons may be transferred or joint replacement may be an option.
Symptoms
A rotator cuff injury can cause pain in the following ways:
- A dull pain deep in the shoulder has been described.
- Sleep deprivation
- Make combing your hair or reaching behind your back difficult.
- Be accompanied by a feeling of weakness in the arms
When should you see a doctor?
Short-term shoulder pain should be checked by your family doctor. If you feel immediate weakness in your arm following an injury, see your doctor right once.
Causes
Rotator cuff disease can be caused by a serious injury to the shoulder or by the degeneration or wear and tear of the tendon tissue over time. Overuse of the tendon, such as repetitive overhead activities or heavy lifting, can irritate or injure it.
Factors that are at risk
A rotator cuff injury is more likely if you have the following factors:
- Age. A rotator cuff injury becomes more likely as you get older. The majority of rotator cuff injuries occur in adults over the age of 60.
- Construction opportunities are available. Repetitive arm motions, typically overhead, are required in jobs like carpentry and house painting, which can injure the rotator cuff over time.
- History of the family. Rotator cuff injuries appear to be more common in some families, therefore there may be a hereditary component involved.
Complications
Rotator cuff disorders, if left untreated, can result in permanent loss of mobility or paralysis, as well as progressive degeneration of the shoulder joint. Although resting your shoulder is important for rehabilitation, keeping it immobilized for too long can cause the connective tissue that surrounds the joint to thicken and tighten (frozen shoulder).
Prevention
If you're at risk for rotator cuff issues or have already had one, daily shoulder strengthening exercises can help you avoid further injury.
Most individuals work out their front chest, shoulder, and upper arm muscles, but strengthening the muscles in the back of the shoulder and around the shoulder blade is just as crucial for shoulder muscular balance. A physical therapist or your doctor can assist you in developing an exercise routine.
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