| To visualize a rotator cuff tear, try the following: | | | | type of tear is more common in people who |
| Find an elastic rubber band and a medium-sized rock. | | | | repetitively use their arm for activities that are stressful |
| In this example, the rock represents the bones in your | | | | to the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder |
| shoulder and the rubber band represents the muscles | | | | joint. |
| that support your arm. Stretch the rubber band out flat | | | | An acute tear is characterized by a sharp pain that is |
| on the rock and rub it lightly until it starts to tear in the | | | | felt after a sudden movement of the arm or after |
| middle. When you look at the rubber band, you'll notice | | | | being hit in the arm or shoulder. This type of injury is |
| a frayed area. | | | | most often experienced by athletes or by people who |
| If you continue rubbing, the rubber band will eventually | | | | suddenly exert too much pressure on their arm and |
| snap. This snapping of the rubber band can be | | | | shoulder muscles without properly stretching and |
| compared to a rotator cuff tear. | | | | flexing first. |
| It takes a fairly significant force to cause a tear with | | | | If you experience any of these types of pain in your |
| the same dramatic effect that you find with the rubber | | | | shoulder area, you should consider visiting a doctor as |
| band and the rock. Luckily, the muscles in our bodies | | | | you could possibly have a torn one of the rotator |
| are a lot tougher than rubber bands. Also, our body's | | | | muscles. For more severe tears, your doctor may |
| muscles know how to heal themselves over time if | | | | suggest surgery; however, the pain can often be |
| the injuries are not too severe. | | | | eased with non-surgical methods of treatment. |
| The primary indication of a torn rotator cuff is pain in | | | | Rest is the primary method for treating the shoulder |
| the muscles surrounding the shoulder and the upper tip | | | | pain. |
| of the humerus, or arm bone. There are three types of | | | | If you overexert your muscles, you may end up |
| tears: tendonitis, chronic tears, and acute tears. The | | | | enlarging the tear. Anti-inflammatory medications are |
| type of pain experienced indicates the severity of the | | | | another option for easing the pain. Wearing a sling can |
| tear. | | | | help prevent further damage by restricting the |
| Tendonitis is a condition that can lead to chronic tear. | | | | movements of your arm. |
| The muscles aren't torn yet, but they have become | | | | If you do find yourself with a torn rotator cuff, do not |
| fragile and tender. The pain associated with tendonitis | | | | despair. It does not have to be the life-altering injury |
| is deep and dull and is most commonly experienced by | | | | that ends your sports career or keeps you from |
| middle-aged women. | | | | normal functioning as a human. Your body knows how |
| A chronic rotator cuff tear is characterized by a dull | | | | to heal itself, even if surgery is required. The best thing |
| pain that typically gets worse over time. Sharp pain | | | | you can do is to help your body by doing whatever it |
| may be felt when the arm is moved at certain angles, | | | | needs to heal. |
| generally ranging between 80 and 120 degrees. This | | | | |