HEALTH and WELLNESS
 

What is a Rotator Cuff?

Rotator cuff is a term given to the group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder during movement.  These muscles arise from the scapula (shoulder blade) and connect to the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) forming a cuff at the shoulder joint. A healthy rotator cuff gives your shoulder strength, flexibility, and control.  The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body, as the arm can swing around in a full circle, move back and forth and up and down; thus, making it the least stable joint in the body which is why problems commonly develop.

 What causes a Rotator Cuff Injury?

 The rotator cuff is vulnerable to damage or inflammation (tendinitis) due to various causes, including irritation (overuse), pinching (impingement), calcium deposits (Calicification), and splitting (tears).  Any of these conditions can make your shoulder weak, tender, and painful. This injury is most commonly associated with motions that require repeated overhead motions or
forceful pulling motions.

Symptoms

 The most common symptoms are pain and weakness in the damaged shoulder. Sometimes a person feels pain only when using the shoulder to perform certain activities, like reaching for an object or lifting something overhead. A constant pain in the shoulder usually indicates the rotator cuff is completely torn and the person may not be able to lift their arm from the side of his or her body.  The injured shoulder may also make popping or clicking sounds when moved or the shoulder may seem to stick momentarily.  Often people with rotator cuff injuries experience pain at night because sleeping in certain positions
puts pressure on the shoulder. 

Diagnosing the Problem

First, your doctor will want to know the history of your shoulder pain.  Did it come on gradually or all of the sudden?  During a physical examination, your doctor will check for pain, tenderness, loss of motion, or popping as you move your arm in all directions.  These movement and resistance tests will help determine your shoulder’s flexibility, strength, and stability.  Your doctor may order certain test including: x-rays, arthrogram, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),ultrasound, and/or diagnostic arthroscopy to determine the cause of your rotator cuff problem.

Treatments

Most rotator cuff injuries heal slowly due to the fact that the body needs a good blood supply in order to heal itself; however, there are few blood vessels to supply the rotator cuff with blood. Treatment of rotator cuff problems depends on the nature and extent of the injury and most people can be treated without surgery. These treatments of rotator cuff injuries include:

• Rest. The first step in treating any rotator cuff problem is to rest the injured joint until the pain and swelling subside.
• Ice. Ice the injury within the first 24 hours as the ice can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Heat. After 48 hours have passed apply heat to the shoulder to aid in healing
• NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). NSAIDS such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be taken to reduce both pain and swelling.
• Physical therapy/exercise. Physical therapy should be started as many rotator cuff problems can be successfully treated with gentle exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the shoulder muscles. Also, avoid lifting heavy weights overhead, and avoid activities that increase pain.
• Steroids. Steroids such as cortisone can be injected into the area to reduce inflammation.

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