Aging and Rotator Cuff Shoulder Injuries

Rotator cuff shoulder injuries are some of the most common injuries among those who have physically intense occupations and among athletes. The rotator cuff is made up of fibers that are strong, yet at the same time, weak. These fibers, along with the muscles in the shoulder serve to allow the arm to rotate freely and to reach high over the head.

Rotator cuff shoulder injuries occur when the tissues, fibers, muscles, and bursa in the shoulder become damaged, torn or enflamed. There are several terms associated with rotator cuff shoulder injuries: ..

Bursitis – Inflammation or irritation of the bursa, the fluid filled sac that surrounds the tendons and muscles that make up the rotator cuff.

Tendonitis – Inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the rotator cuff.

Impingement – A condition in which a tendon becomes pinched and rubs against the bone in the shoulder blade, causing irritation and possible tearing.

Calcific Tendonitis – A buildup of calcium among the tendons. Otherwise known as bone spurs, calcific tendonitis can cause irritation and possible tearing of the tendons.

Torn Rotator Cuff – A tear to one of the tendons in the shoulder. This can be a very small tear, or a very large one that completely disconnects the tendon from the arm bone.

Causes of rotator cuff shoulder injuries include:

Age – The normal wear caused by everyday life can eventually weaken the muscles and tendons in the shoulder, easily allowing them to tear or become irritated.

Repetitive Motion – Any motion or activity that repeatedly causes you to lift your arms over your head will severely stress the rotator cuff.

Impingement can occur due to both repetitive motion and age. After the impingement has been present for a period of time, the rotator cuff begins to build up scar tissue and the tendons become weak and frayed and, as such, can easily be injured.

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