There is a group of four muscles and some tendons that surround the shoulder and are wrapped in a bursa sac. This is called the rotator cuff. These muscles and tendons are important because they help to stabilize the shoulder.
Rotator cuff pain occurs when these muscles or tendons become damaged. This injury often happens to men who are over the age of 40. Athletes are very susceptible to this type of injury. Any athlete that throws, or uses an overhead motion can sustain this injury. Many times the injury will be indicated by a popping sound or a tearing sensation.
Rotator cuff pain usually happens when there is decreased range of motion, inability to lay on the affected shoulder without pain, sleep that is interrupted at night due to pain, weakness, difficulty getting dressed or reaching behind the back, pain with throwing or reaching overhead and a dull ache in the upper arm. The pain usually occurs in the front of the shoulder and radiates down the arm.
When rest, anti-inflammatory medicines, steroid injections or physical therapy doesn’t work anymore, surgery is usually indicated. The arm is usually immobilized to allow the shoulder to heal and is followed by rotator cuff therapy.
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