Dealing With Shoulder Injuries?

Watch this video on how shoulder injuries form.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Anatomy.

The term "Rotator cuff" describes a section of four muscles that keep your shoulder held together in its shallow socket while larger muscles move it.

Strains and injuries in the rotator cuff are typically the most common cause of people experiencing shoulder problems, accounting for 4.5 million doctor visits per year. Injuries are classified by the amount of damage as "partial tears", "full-thickness tears" or "ruptures".

One side of your tendon has been partly frayed, resulting in a "partial tear." A "full-thickness tear," also known as a "total tear," occurs when your tendon develops a hole or slit similar to what would be formed by running a knife length-wise down a rope. A "rupture" is the most severe form of injury and it means that your tendon has been torn into two pieces. 

What Causes Of Rotator Cuff Injuries?

Less than 10% of rotator cuff tears are the direct result of an acute injury like falling, pushing, pulling, throwing or lifting.

The overwhelming majority of injuries are caused by repetitive strains over a long period of time. One of the most common reasons that people start to develop a rotator cuff tear is something called "impingement". Impingement essentially means that the section where your rotator cuff tendon lives have simply become too crowded and the rotator cuff tendon is being pinched each time you raise your arm.

Impingement and rotator cuff tendon issues are most common in people who perform repetitive overhead tasks. This usually includes athletes who play baseball, volleyball, tennis, rowing, weight lifting, swimming and archery, and jobs that include carpentry, painting, wallpaper hanging, cleaning windows and washing/waxing cars. Other forms of risk factors for rotator cuff problems include smoking, obesity, high cholesterol and prior cortisone injection. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Rotator Cuff Injuries?

Patients who have suffered an acute rotator cuff injury often report a "tearing" or "snapping" sound and sensation that is followed by severe pain and weakness.

The majority of chronic strains begin slowly, with symptoms gradually becoming more noticeable as the tear progresses. The pain commonly occurs in the front and outside of your shoulder, but it can also travel down your spine.

Symptoms are usually aggravated by overhead activity and may progress to the point that you have difficulty raising your arm overhead. Pain is typically made worse at night, especially when you lie on the impacted area of your shoulder. Be sure to tell us if you suffer from significant neck pain, shortness of breath, chest pain or chest pressure.

How Can You Reduce Rotator Cuff Pain?

Young patients who have suffered an acute tear or rupture in many cases will require surgery, while most others will benefit from conservative treatments, such as the ones offered in this office.

 Be sure to avoid painful overhead activity or carrying heavy objects.

Sleeping on your irritated side, particularly with your arm outstretched overhead, is not recommended. You may benefit by sleeping on your side that has not been impacted with a pillow between your arm and trunk. Smokers should do their best to quit and find a program to help them do so, and overweight patients will recover quicker if they begin a diet and exercise program. Performing your home exercises is especially important.

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