What is Rotator Cuff Injury?

What is Rotator Cuff Injury?

A rotator cuff injury involves damage to the group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint. These injuries range from inflammation, called tendinitis, to partial tears and complete ruptures, affecting stability and movement.

The most common causes for a rotator cuff injury include repetitive overhead motions, acute trauma, age-related degeneration, poor shoulder mechanics, muscle imbalances, bone spurs, sports requiring throwing or lifting, and occupational overuse.

Symptoms needing treatment for a rotator cuff injury include shoulder pain, weakness when lifting or rotating the arm, limited range of motion, cracking sensations during movement, and difficulty with everyday reaching activities.

The diagnosis process involved in a rotator cuff injury includes physical examination testing strength and pain patterns, range of motion assessment, special orthopedic tests, and imaging studies including ultrasound and MRI to evaluate tissue damage.

Conservative treatment options in a rotator cuff injury include rest, activity modification, ice or heat therapy, physical therapy focusing on strengthening and stabilization, anti-inflammatory medications, and proper posture training.

Interventional treatment options for a rotator cuff injury include corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma therapy, guided needle procedures to break adhesions, and regenerative treatments. Surgery may be necessary for complete tears.

The goal of treatment of a rotator cuff injury is to relieve pain, restore shoulder function and strength, improve joint stability, correct underlying movement patterns, prevent further degeneration, and return to normal activities.

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