| Rotator cuff injury often happens due to a fall or | | | | repetitive movements with the arms where they are |
| overuse. The rotator cuff or rotor cuff is a network of | | | | moving their arms over their head and back down. |
| four muscles and several tendons that form a | | | | The elderly are also at high risk for a rotor cuff injury |
| covering around the top of the upper arm bone | | | | due to their weakened muscle strength and already |
| (humerus). The cuff holds the humerus in place in the | | | | reduced range of motion. People who are involved in |
| shoulder joint and allows the arm to rotate. A rotor | | | | certain sports may also be at a higher risk for this |
| cuff injury is an injury to any of the four muscles. It can | | | | injury. |
| happen quickly and is usually associated with a specific | | | | Treatment |
| instance. It can also be progressive and the cause | | | | As soon as symptoms are noticed it is important to |
| may not be clearly known. | | | | seek medical attention. A doctor will run tests to see if |
| Range of the Injury | | | | you have a rotator cuff injury and how severe the |
| The injury can involve just one muscle or multiple | | | | injury is if you do have one. You may have an x-ray, |
| muscles. It can be inflammation or a tear in the | | | | an ultrasound or other scans to look inside your |
| muscles. It can recover on its own or require surgery | | | | shoulder area. |
| for repair. As you can see a rotator cuff injury can be | | | | Your doctor may prescribe medication and home care |
| rather minor or very serious. It all depends on just what | | | | if your injury is not severe. Home care includes plenty |
| happened to the rotor cuff. | | | | of rest and immobilizing the arm. Ice and heat should |
| Symptoms | | | | be used to treat the inflammation. If your injury is |
| The most common symptom is pain. It usually is a pain | | | | severe then your doctor will want to discuss further |
| in the shoulder that gets worse when the arm is raised | | | | medical treatments. |
| over the head. It may also get worse when carrying | | | | Conclusion |
| something heavy or when lying on the injured shoulder. | | | | This injury can usually be treated effectively. It is all |
| For more serious injuries, the pain may be continuous. | | | | about finding the right treatment and seeking medical |
| Symptoms may also include weakness in the arm. The | | | | assistance as soon as possible. You should always |
| affected arm may be difficult to move and the range | | | | follow the instructions of your doctor for care so that |
| of motion may be limited. This can lead to a feeling of | | | | you can help your shoulder heal quickly. Do not let a |
| not wanting to move the arm for fear of feeling pain. | | | | rotor cuff injury go without treatment. Any pain should |
| Who is at Risk | | | | be a sign that something is wrong and that you need |
| People at risk for a rotator injury include those with | | | | to see a doctor. Only by getting care can you fix the |
| jobs where they are lifting heavy objects or doing | | | | problem and prevent further injury to your shoulder. |