Rotator Cuff Injuries

The human shoulder is an engineering marvel. Yet an injury to the rotator cuff can disrupt the delicate balance, rendering the shoulder and arm all but useless. Knowing how to recognize and treat a rotator cuff injury can limit the damage and keep recovery time to a minimum.

Facts

• The four tendons and muscles surrounding the shoulder are collectively known as the rotator cuff. These muscles connect the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade and secure the ball of the upper arm into the shoulder socket. The rotator cuff provides the shoulder with the largest range of motion of any joint in the human body.

  Any irritation or damage to these muscles can cause a rotator-cuff injury, resulting in weakness or pain in the shoulder. Rotator cuffs are typically injured due to repetitive stress. Such injuries are common in athletes, particularly quarterbacks and baseball pitchers.

Identification

• Pain over the top of the shoulder and the arm is the first sign of a rotator cuff injury. In some patients, the pain travels down the side of the arm and into the elbow. As a result, the shoulder loses strength. This weakness makes it difficult to lift the arm or even perform mundane activities like getting dressed or brushing your teeth.

Types

• Three main types of rotator cuff injuries exist. The first is a chronic tear, which comes from repetitive stress or a natural variation in the shoulder structure that causes discomfort. The second type is an acute tear brought on by sudden trauma, such as an unexpected fall or attempting to lift the arm against great resistance. And finally, there's tendinitis, which is an inflammation of the muscle due to overuse.

Treatment

• Most rotator cuff injuries can be treated with physical therapy. The point is to strengthen the muscles and restore flexibility to the shoulder. Recovery time depends entirely on the severity of the injury and can range anywhere from three weeks to several months.

  In more serious instances, doctors may use steroid injections to calm pain and inflammation. Large tears in the rotator cuff may require surgical repair.

Prevention

• Performing a few simple exercises can strengthen the rotator cuff and prevent future problems. All exercises should be done with light weights. Strive for 20 to 30 reps each time. Stop immediately if you experience any pain.

  For the first exercise, lie on your stomach on a bed or table. Extend your arm out to your side at shoulder level and bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle. While keeping your elbow bent, slowly raise your hand. Stop when your hand is level with the shoulder. Lower and repeat until your arm is tired.

  For the second exercise, lie on your right side with your right arm extended out above your head. Place a rolled up towel under the right armpit for added stability. Now, with your left arm at your side and the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle, allow your left forearm to rest against your chest, palm down. While keeping your elbow and upper arm anchored in place, slowly lift your left hand until it's level with the shoulder. Lower and repeat until your arm is tired.