What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff injury, which is damage to the tendons that hold the bones of the shoulder joint together, can happen for a variety of reasons. Since the tendons of the rotator cuff experience wear and tear and lose elasticity as we age, the rotator cuff becomes more susceptible to injuries and can easily become damaged during daily activities.

A rotator cuff injury is usually linked to injuries caused by direct trauma, or by repetitive motions such as lifting and sports that require the arms to be raised above the head such as baseball, swimming and tennis.

SYMPTOMS OF A ROTATOR CUFF INJURY INCLUDE:

• Tenderness in the shoulder when reaching

• Weakness in the shoulder

• Decreased range of motion

• Pain over the outside of the shoulder and sometimes running down the arm to the elbow

• Difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder

While a rotator cuff tear will not heal on its own, there are many non-surgical tactics one can take to ease the pain and discomfort caused by the injury. If all else fails, arthroscopic shoulder surgery may be the answer to get you back to the daily activities you enjoy.