Rotator Cuff Injury

August 23, 2008 by admin
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Those who take part in sports, exercise regularly, or work physical labor jobs, often find themselves vulnerable to rotator cuff injury.

What is the rotator cuff?

The arm bone is attached to the shoulder blade with muscles and tendons. These muscles and tendons also allow the arm to rotate freely in the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is actually the whole group of muscles and tendons that make up the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is surrounded by a fluid filled sac called the bursa which protects it from rubbing against the surrounding bones…

What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?

Common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include tenderness in the shoulder, inability to lift the arm above the head, weakness in the arm due to pain in the shoulder joint, and severe pain when lying on the affected arm.

The symptoms of a rotator cuff injury do not have to appear suddenly. Many times, they will appear as just a dull ache. This is because the tendons are starting to strain. Continued activity and strain on the tendon will eventually cause it to deteriorate or to tear. Inflammation in the joint, whether in the muscle, tendon, or bursa, will also cause the pain associated with rotator cuff injuries.

What are the treatments for a rotator cuff injury?

There are many treatments for a shoulder injury. A minor injury many only require rest, heat and ice, combined with an anti-inflammatory over the counter medicine like ibuprofen.

More severe injuries may require physical therapy. The physical therapy will serve two purposes. It will slowly loosen up the stiffness that is caused by the inflammation in the muscle or tendon. It will also help to restore strength to the muscles and tendons in the injured rotator cuff.

Finally, the most severe cases of rotator cuff injury will require surgery to repair the damage. This is usually a last resort for a patient who has tried and exhausted all other methods of treatment.

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