Rotator Cuff

What is a rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep your humerus, the main bone in your upper arm, securely seated in your shoulder socket. The tendons that attach the muscles to the bones join the humerus to your shoulder blade and afford you a great range of motion. 

When these tendons tear, it causes pain and lack of function of the shoulder. Partial tears damage and weaken the tendon, while complete tears separate the entire tendon from the bone.

How do rotator cuff injuries occur?

Damage to the rotator cuff can occur in two ways:

Acute tear

An acute tear is an injury caused by falling on your arm when it’s stretched out or lifting a heavy object and using poor technique. Acute tears often happen simultaneously when you dislocate your shoulder or are involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Degenerative tear

Tendon degeneration happens gradually over time, commonly as a result of age-related wear and tear. Degenerative tears often result from repeated arm motions; these types of injuries are common in tennis players and swimmers. Similarly, people who have jobs that require repetitive overhead shoulder movements, like electricians and painters, are also vulnerable to this type of injury. 

As you age, the blood supply to the rotator cuff decreases, making it harder for your body to repair the damage. You’re also more likely to develop bone spurs that rub on the rotator cuff, a condition called shoulder impingement.

What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?

If your rotator cuff tears suddenly, it’s likely to cause severe pain and immediate loss of function. Degenerative tearing causes:

• Pain when resting
• Pain that wakes you up from sleep at night
• Pain when lying on the shoulder
• Weakness when you try to lift or rotate the arm
• Pain with overhead reaching

Some people sustain rotator cuff tears that don’t cause pain, but over time, they may become symptomatic.

How are rotator cuff injuries treated?

Dr. Ashford starts treatment with conservative measures such as brief periods of rest, physical therapy, oral medications, and strengthening exercises. 

If your rotator cuff tear isn’t improving, he may also recommend steroid injections or platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP), a form of regenerative medicine that stimulates healing in targeted areas. 

In serious cases of rotator cuff injuries, Dr. Ashford may recommend surgery to repair the torn tendons.

If you have pain in your shoulder or you’re having difficulty using your arm, call Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, or book an appointment online today.

We offer services such as shoulder replacement, shoulder surgery, and shoulder arthroscopy. Call us to book your appointment today.