Rotator cuff tears are a common injury of a complicated joint. Because of our dependence on the shoulder for many activities, these injuries can be frustrating experiences. Learn more about rotator cuff tears, including diagnosis, symptoms, treatments and rehabilitation.
What Can Cause Shoulder Pain?
Image © Sebastian Kaulitzki
What Is the Rotator Cuff?
Image © Medical Mulitmedia Group
Probably the best way to understand what happens when the rotator cuff is injured is to see the rotator cuff. Use this animation to see the rotator cuff in action, so you can understand why a rotator cuff injury causes problems.
What Are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The most common symptom of a rotator cuff problem is pain. Patients usually complain of pain over the top of the shoulder and arm. In some patients, the pain can descend down the outside of the arm all the way to the elbow.The other common symptom of a rotator cuff tear is weakness of the shoulder. Weakness causes difficulty lifting the arm up overhead or difficulty with activities such as reaching, getting dressed, or carrying objects.
What Treatments Are Available for the Rotator Cuff?
Image © Nicholas Monu
Non-operative rotator cuff treatments may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory pain medications, and cortisone injections. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and strengthen the uninjured muscles around the shoulder to compensate for the torn muscles.
