Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and four separate tendons that surround the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff injury can be caused by a direct blow to the shoulder; falling on an outstretched arm; repetitive overhead motion of the arm, as in swimming, baseball (pitching), or tennis; or chronic degenerative wear and tear on the tendons.

Risk factors for a rotator cuff injury include participating in sports that stress repetitive overhead arm motion (swimming, baseball, and tennis); age (more prevalent in those 40 or older); heavy lifting; and weakened shoulder muscles due to inactivity.

Symptoms include recurrent pain, especially during overhead motion; shoulder muscle weakness when lifting the arm; popping or clicking sounds when the shoulder moves; and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Treatment

A doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam in which you will be asked to move your shoulder. Tests may include x-rays; an MRI test, which uses magnetism and radio waves to create pictures of the inside of the shoulder; or an ultrasound test, which uses sound waves to examine the rotator cuff for inflammation or tears.

Treatment also may include rest and immobilization; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain; ice applied to the shoulder area for 15 minutes, three to four times a day; and physical therapy.

Prevention

To reduce your chances of a rotator cuff injury, avoid heavy lifting and repetitive arm motion, and exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.