One of the most common injuries among athletes is a rotator cuff tear. This injury can be extremely painful and limit your range of motion. If you are an athlete or participate in any activity that puts stress on your shoulder, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a rotator cuff tear and to take steps to prevent injury.

Learn everything you need to know about rotator cuff tears including their symptoms, causes, and treatment options available by reading on!

What Are Rotator Cuff Tears?

A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury. A rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. The rotator cuff muscles and tendons help lift the arm. The rotator cuff tendons also keep the shoulder joint in place. A tear in one of these tendons can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder.

Most rotator cuff tears occur in people over the age of 40. The risk of developing a rotator cuff tear increases with age. Other risk factors for rotator cuff tears include repetitive shoulder motions (such as those often used in overhead motions in sports or at work) and shoulder injuries.

If you think you may have a rotator cuff tear, it is important to see a medical professional. They will ask about your symptoms and will examine your shoulder. They may also order X-rays or an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for a rotator cuff tear may include rest, ice, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tears

Common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include pain and tenderness in the shoulder, weakness in the arm and shoulder, and a clicking or snapping sound when the arm is moved. The pain may be worse with movement and raising the arm above the head may not be easy. If the tear is large, the arm may feel numb or have a tingling sensation.

Top 4 Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears

There are many reasons why rotator cuff tears occur. Here are the top 4 causes:

1. Overuse

The most common cause of rotator cuff tear is overuse. Repeated motions can cause the muscles and tendons to become damaged. This is common in sports that involve throwing, such as baseball, or in jobs that require repetitive overhead motions, such as painting or carpentry.

2. Age

Degeneration of the rotator cuff is another common cause of rotator cuff tears. As we age, the tendons and muscles in the shoulder can begin to degenerate. This can lead to small tears in the rotator cuff, eventually leading to a full tear. Thus, people over the age of 40 are at increased risk of developing chronic rotator cuff tears.

3. Injury

Trauma or injury to the shoulder can also cause a rotator cuff tear. A sudden injury or fall can damage the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. This can happen from a fall or direct blow to the shoulder. 

4. Disease

Diseases such as arthritis can weaken the rotator cuff and lead to tears. In some cases, overgrowth of bone (bone spurs) around the shoulder joint can compress and damage the rotator cuff muscles and tendons, causing rotator cuff tears. Furthermore, sometimes poor posture can also put an unnecessary strain on the rotator cuff muscles and tendons, which can also lead to tears. If you think you have a rotator cuff tear, it’s important to see a medical professional. Sometimes, these tears can heal on their own with rest and ice. But sometimes, surgery is necessary to repair the damage.

How Are Rotator Cuff Tears Diagnosed?

There are a few different ways that doctors can diagnose rotator cuff tears. The most common way is through a physical examination. They will look for signs of pain and tenderness in the shoulder. They will also check for weakness in the muscle and range of motion in the joint.

Imaging tests, such as x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, can also be used to diagnose rotator cuff tears. These tests can help doctors to see the extent of the damage and to rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain. Doctors can also use an ultrasound to look for any inflammation and tears in the shoulder region.

Doctors may perform an arthrography if the diagnosis is still unclear. This is a test where dye is injected into the shoulder joint. This can help to show the outlines of the rotator cuff tendons and any tears that may be present.  

Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears

Several treatment options are available for those suffering from a rotator cuff injury. Depending on the severity of the injury, some treatments may be more effective than others.

1. Physical Therapy

If you have a minor injury, ice and rest may be all that is necessary. However, you may require physical therapy if your injury is more severe. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles and tissues around the injured area, which can help to protect the rotator cuff from further injury.

2. Surgery

Another treatment option that may be effective for rotator cuff injuries is surgery. Surgery is usually only necessary for the most severe rotator cuff injuries. During surgery, the damaged tissue is repaired or removed to improve the range of motion and function. This can be a successful treatment option, but it is important to note that it is not always necessary.

3. Corticosteroid Injections

Finally, corticosteroid injections are another treatment option that can be effective for rotator cuff injuries. Corticosteroid injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain around the injured area. However, these are often used as conservative treatments before surgery.

Each person suffering from a rotator cuff injury will respond differently to different treatment options. Working with a healthcare professional is important to determine which treatment option is best for you.

Tips to Prevent Rotator Cuff Tears

If you’re an athlete or participate in any activity that puts stress on your shoulder, it’s important to be aware of the risk of rotator cuff tear injuries. Here are some tips to help prevent these types of injuries:

• Use proper form and technique when participating in activities that stress your shoulder.
• Strengthen your rotator cuff muscles with exercises that target those muscles specifically. Also, increase your shoulder range of motion with stretching and other exercises.
• Avoid repetitive motions. If you make the same motions over and over again, it can put a strain on the rotator cuff and lead to injury.
• Use appropriate weightlifting progressions when strengthening your rotator cuff muscles.
• Make sure you have adequate rest and recovery time between training sessions. And if you’re experiencing pain in your shoulder, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Following these tips can help you reduce your risk of suffering a rotator cuff tear injury.

In Conclusion

One of the most common injuries to the shoulder is a rotator cuff tear, which occurs when the muscles and tendons in that region are damaged. If you have suffered a rotator cuff injury, several different treatment options are available. It is important to see a medical professional so that they can recommend the best course of treatment for your particular injury.

At Mobility Bone & Joint, we have a team of highly experienced multi-specialty physicians who provide surgical as well as medical care for adults and children with bone and muscle issues. We offer superior care in joint replacement surgeries, trauma, sports medicine, hands, and podiatrist care. Visit us here to book a consultation with us today.

General Orthopaedics

• Eric Arvidson, MD
• Steven Andriola, MD
• Adam Harder, MD

Shoulder and Sports Medicine

• Tahsin Ergin, MD
• Matthew Hawkins, MD

Sports Medicine

• Kevin Heaton, DO

Upper Extremities

• Joshua Philbrick, MD
• Joshua Pletka, MD

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