What is the Rotator Cuff?

• The rotator cuff is a thick tendon that covers the shoulder as in a cap. Made up of four muscles, the superior muscle of the rotator cuff is called the supraspinatus. Most injuries stem from this muscle, which allows the shoulder to rotate. When one of the four muscles is torn, you cannot lift your arm and you are in pain. The more the tissue is scarred, the more easily it tears. The more it tears, the more scar tissue is formed.
  
  

Injury of the Rotator Cuff

• A rotator cuff injury is anything that irritates or causes damage to the rotator cuff tendons or the four muscles. Injuries can stem from falls and repetitive arm movements.
  
  

Symptoms

• You will feel shoulder weakness and a loss of range of motion if you have a rotator cuff injury. Most commonly, you will feel pain whenever you try to use your arms in a stretching motion. See your physician if this is happening. As you get older, rotator cuff tears are more frequent. Athletes, carpenters, painters, or anyone who uses constant repetitive motion are at risk.
  
  

Healing

• It is imperative to rest your shoulder as much as possible. Do not do anything that will cause more pain to your shoulder for at least a week. Do not do any heavy lifting. Apply cold packs every couple of hours to help lower pain and inflammation. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce your pain. Steroid injections are sometimes recommended. Exercise therapy can help with your flexibility and muscle tone (see Resources). You might need physical therapy for up to several months. Once you have healed, continue exercising to ensure range of motion. Using a sling will rest your shoulder. Not moving your shoulder at all will cause it to freeze.
  
  

Healing Tips

• If your work requires repetitive activity, take many short breaks to rest your shoulder. When you experience any sort of shoulder inflammation or hurt, immediately apply cold or heat. Get into the habit of doing shoulder exercises daily.