Rotator Cuff Injury – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that wrap around the shoulder joint. These tissues keep the upper arm bone securely positioned within the shoulder socket.
When injured, this area often causes a persistent shoulder ache that typically worsens at nighttime.
These injuries become more common as people age. Jobs that involve frequent overhead movements, like painting and carpentry, increase the risk of early health problems for workers.
Common symptoms include:
- Dull, aching pain
- Shoulder weakness
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that intensifies at night
For most people experiencing rotator cuff problems, physical therapy provides effective relief. These exercises focus on:
- Improving flexibility
- Strengthening shoulder muscles
- Enhancing joint stability
Most rotator cuff injuries develop gradually over time, but sudden tears can also occur from a single traumatic event. In these cases, prompt medical evaluation becomes essential, as surgical intervention might be necessary.
Physical therapy typically includes a progressive exercise program designed to restore function while minimizing pain. Many patients find significant improvement through consistent therapeutic exercises without needing more invasive treatments.
Signs and Symptoms
Rotator cuff injuries often cause a deep, dull ache in the shoulder. This pain can make it hard to sleep and limit your arm movement for simple tasks like combing your hair or reaching behind your back.
You may also notice weakness in your arm. Interestingly, some people have rotator cuff injuries without feeling any pain at all.
When Medical Attention Is Needed
If you have shoulder pain that doesn’t go away quickly, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor.
Don’t wait to get help if you experience sudden weakness in your arm after an injury—seek medical care immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent the problem from getting worse.
Causes
Rotator cuff injuries typically develop from gradual tendon wear and tear over time. People who repeatedly perform overhead movements or engage in extended periods of heavy lifting may experience tendon irritation or damage.
These injuries can also occur suddenly during accidents or falls. Common activities that might strain the rotator cuff include:
- Playing sports with overhead arm movements
- Working in construction
- Painting ceilings
- Lifting heavy objects incorrectly
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chance of getting a rotator cuff injury:
- Age: People over 60 are at higher risk.
- Job type: Work that needs repeated arm movements above the head (like painting or carpentry) can damage the rotator cuff over time.
- Athletic activities: Playing certain sports, such as baseball, tennis, and weightlifting, increases your risk.
- Genetics: These injuries sometimes run in families, suggesting a possible hereditary link
Complications
Rotator cuff problems that go untreated can lead to serious long-term issues. The most concerning complication is permanent loss of shoulder motion or strength.
When tears are ignored, the shoulder muscles may weaken over time. This weakness happens because unused muscles start to shrink and lose their power. The medical term for this is “atrophy.”
Pain from untreated rotator cuff injuries can become chronic. This ongoing discomfort might make daily activities difficult, such as:
- Reaching overhead
- Brushing hair
- Putting on shirts
- Lifting objects
Some patients develop what doctors call “frozen shoulder” after prolonged rotator cuff problems. This condition limits movement in all directions and can be quite painful.
Sleep disruption is another common complication. Many people find it difficult to lie on the affected shoulder, leading to poor rest and increased fatigue.
Advanced Complications
In severe cases, untreated tears can grow larger over time. Small tears may progress to complete tears, which are much harder to repair surgically.
Shoulder arthritis might develop years after an untreated rotator cuff injury. This happens because the normal mechanics of the shoulder joint become disrupted.
Joint instability may also arise. Without the proper muscle support from the rotator cuff, the shoulder may become loose and prone to subluxation (partial dislocation).
