Symptoms and Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears

We put our bodies through a great deal of work to go about our day-to-day tasks. What might not seem like a ton of effort can actually damage your rotator cuff and cause you a whole host of problems. Rotator cuff tear and injuries are rather common, and knowing the signs and causes can help you get this injury taken care of before it becomes a major issue.

What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Your rotator cuff is a collection of muscles and tendons that go all the way around the shoulder joint. They keep the head of your upper arm bone in the socket and help your arm to move and function properly. A sore shoulder is one of the most common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury. If you notice that your shoulder is very sore, that you can’t rotate or can’t lift arm, or that you are having a great deal of pain with movement, there is a chance you have a tear.

There are a few different causes of a sore rotator cuff, the most common is repeated motion. This could mean that you are throwing a ball over and over, painting, carpentry, or engaging in any profession that requires you to lift your arm in a repetitive motion can lead to tears. Also, exercises like chin-ups, push-ups, or lifting very heavy weights can cause your rotator cuff to tear.

If you notice that you are having a greater amount of soreness than usual, that you are dealing with pain and swelling in your shoulder, or that you are unable to lift your arm, you may very well have a rotator cuff injury.

How To Repair a Rotator Cuff Injury

If you have a dull ache that only lasts a few days and then gets well, odds are you are not dealing with a tear, but rather a sprain. If you have prolonged pain, intense pain, or pain that does not get better over time, you may need to see a doctor. In some cases, your rotator cuff will heal on its own. If the injury is very serious, it may require surgical repair.

In some cases, when the injury is very serious or the tear is not healing properly, your doctor may suggest that you have surgery on that shoulder to repair the tear and then have physical therapy to help you regain motion in the arm.

No matter what course you or your doctor choose, getting the proper care for a rotator cuff injury is important as it can worsen and lead to even more medical issues.  

Categorized in: Rotator Cuff Tears

This post was written by admin