ROTATOR CUFF INJURY

A rotator cuff injury is damage or irritation to one or more of the four muscles and tendons that stabilize and move the shoulder joint.

The rotator cuff consists of:

Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Teres minor
Subscapularis

These muscles help keep the upper arm bone (humerus) centered in the shoulder socket while allowing movement.

Causes of Rotator Cuff Injury

Repetitive Overhead Activities

Repeated overhead movements can place significant stress on the rotator cuff.

Common examples include:

Swimming
Tennis
Cricket
Baseball
Volleyball
Painting
Decorating
Manual labour

Sudden Injury

Rotator cuff injuries can occur from:

Falling onto an outstretched arm
Lifting something unexpectedly heavy
Sudden pulling movements
Shoulder dislocations

Age Related Wear and Tear

As people age, the tendons naturally undergo changes that can make them more susceptible to injury.

Rotator cuff problems become more common after age 40

Muscle Imbalances

Weakness in:

Rotator cuff muscles
Shoulder stabilizers
Upper back muscles

can alter shoulder mechanics and increase tendon stress.

Poor Posture

Examples include:

Rounded shoulders
Forward head posture
Prolonged desk work

These positions can reduce the space available for the rotator cuff tendons.

Shoulder Impingement

Repeated compression of the tendons beneath the shoulder blade's bony arch can contribute to injury.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injury

Shoulder Pain

The most common symptom is:

Pain in the outer or front part of the shoulder

The pain often spreads down the upper arm.

Pain During Overhead Activities

Symptoms commonly worsen when:

Reaching overhead
Throwing
Lifting objects above shoulder height
Swimming

Pain at Night

Many people experience:

Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
Night-time shoulder pain
Pain that wakes them from sleep

Weakness

You may notice:

Reduced lifting strength
Difficulty reaching overhead
Difficulty carrying objects

Painful Arc of Movement

A classic sign is pain when raising the arm between approximately:

60° degree and 120° degree of shoulder elevation

Reduced Range of Motion

The shoulder may feel:

Stiff
Restricted
Difficult to move fully

Clicking or Catching Sensations

Some individuals report:

Clicking
Popping
Catching sensations during movement

Types of Rotator Cuff Injury

Tendinopathy

Overuse-related degeneration of the tendon.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Tendinitis

Short-term inflammation of the tendon following overload.

Partial Tendon Tear

Only part of the tendon is torn.

Full Thickness Tear

The tendon is completely torn.

Rotator Cuff Tear

Commonly Affected Tendon

The tendon most frequently involved is the:

Supraspinatus tendon

because it passes through a relatively narrow space in the shoulder.

When to Seek Medical Assessment

Consider professional evaluation if:

Pain persists for several weeks
You experience significant weakness
You cannot raise your arm normally
Symptoms followed a fall or trauma
Night pain is severe and persistent