What Are the Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries?

Rotator cuff injuries can be sorted into two groups: Repetitive-use injuries, which occur over time, and traumatic injuries, which occur after a traumatic event. The rotator cuff is an intertwined group of muscles that wrap around the shoulder. The four muscles cover the top, front and back of the shoulder. The muscles are connected to the arm bone by tendons, which are located at the ends of the muscles. It is these tendons that are most commonly injured in a rotator cuff injury.

Symptoms

• The most obvious symptom is pain in the shoulder, which can come on gradually or suddenly, depending on the cause. With the pain comes an inability to move the arm in a full range of motions. Sometimes there can be muscle spasms or tenderness under the skin.

Repetitive

• Repetitive rotator cuff injuries are caused by repeated, excessive use of the shoulder, usually in an overhead activity such as pitching a baseball. Over time, the muscles simply wear out, which is why there is an increased risk of a repetitive rotator cuff injury occurring as you age. Poor posture can also contribute to a rotator cuff injury.

Traumatic

• Traumatic rotator cuff injuries can occur when a person lifts a heavy object, putting immense strain on the muscles and tendons. Similarly, an injury can occur when someone uses a great amount of force to push or pull an object. Finally, traumatic rotator cuff injuries often occur during an accident, such as when someone falls and puts out a hand to break a fall. This can result in a severe shock to the muscles in the shoulder, inflaming or even tearing them.

Treatment

• Most rotator cuff injuries require time to heal, as well as some physical therapy. Depending on the type of injury, your doctor may prescribe pain killers (or give you a steroid shot) and teach you a series of exercises designed to strengthen and heal the injured muscles. In some cases, such as when muscles are torn, surgery may be required.

Prevention

• Preventing rotator cuff injuries is a matter of being aware of the use of your shoulder. If you are in an occupation that requires frequent use of your shoulder, you should pay close attention to any early signs of injury, including stiffness and a dull pain. If these things occur, seeing a doctor early may prevent a more serious injury. To avoid traumatic injury, try not to land directly on your shoulder during a fall.