By Performance Spine and Sports Medicine
What is the rotator cuff?
Your rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and several tendons in your shoulder. These muscles form a cover around the head of the humerus which is the upper arm bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. These muscles and tendons work in the shoulder joint to keep the humerus from popping out. This makes the rotator cuff critical for stability as well as the range of motion of the shoulder.
What is a rotator cuff injury?
A rotator cuff injury includes any type of irritation or damage such as a tear, strain, or inflammation of your rotator cuff muscles or tendons.
Who is at risk?
Any one can get a rotator cuff injury. People who are older are at higher risks because of natural wear and tear of your muscles.
What causes rotator cuff injuries?
Possible causes of rotator cuff injuries include:
A single traumatic injury such as falling
Repetitive use: For example, baseball pitchers, swimmers, and tennis players are at high risks of rotator cuff injuries. Another example is pulling your seatbelt strap although this action would be more like to lead to rotator cuff injury in an older person.
Lifting heavy weights
Natural deterioration of muscles
Posture
Symptoms
Pain and tenderness in your shoulder especially when lifting the arm
Shoulder weakness
Loss of shoulder range of motion
Treatment Options
Cold Laser
Kinesio tape
Exercise
Aquatic therapy
Surgery
Ice or heat
Yoga
What can Performance Spine and Sports Medicine do for you?
The rehab department at Performance is dedicated to assessing the injury and then designing custom exercise programs to help patients heal faster, become stronger and stay stronger. Contact us or visit our website to find out more information.

