Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator Cuff Injuries & Symptoms

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles on each side of the shoulders that are responsible for holding the shoulder joints stable. Rotator cuff injuries are quite common. They’re most commonly caused by blows, falls, or over-exertion, but they can also be due to overuse of the shoulders. They can also be caused by aging.

Tears can occur from traumatic injuries or they can result from an overuse of the shoulders. Traumas are called acute, while longterm injuries are call chronic. For example, an acute rotator cuff tear is one that has just occurred due to a fall or injury.

Chronic rotator cuff tears can take a long time to develop. These are caused by repeated actions with the arms or shoulders. The arms may often have been raised above shoulder level to reach objects on a shelf or to throw a ball.

Chronic Rotator Cuff Injuries

Many people who’ve suffered chronic rotator cuff injuries will continue to suffer from them if treatment is not done, or if the activities are constantly repeated.

While rotator cuff tears are more common in younger people, they are also found in older people too. Athletes and people that work in physically demanding jobs can be susceptible. Older adults can fall and injure their shoulders. Walking a dog can cause a surprising amount of rotator cuff injuries when they strain or pull on the leash.

Types of Rotator Cuff Injuries

There are two different types of rotator cuff injuries. The first one is called full-thickness, which are more severe. These are tears that can extend from the top to the bottom of the rotator cuff muscle or tendon. The other type is called partial-thickness and it affects only part of the muscle or tendon in a rotator cuff. It does not extend all the way through like the first type.

Identifying the Pain Caused by a Rotator Cuff Injury

It’s important to treat rotator cuff injuries, otherwise, they can lead to severe pain or restricted movement over time. If you have pain at the top of your shoulder or down the outside of your arm, that can indicate a rotator cuff injury. It may only be on one side, or it may be on both. Shoulder weakness or the loss of shoulder motion may result too.These types of injuries can impact other aspects of your life. It’s important to quickly diagnose this type of injury so that a proper course of treatment can be developed.