A rotator cuff injury affects the four tendons that rotate the shoulder. The tendons start on the scapula and are attached to the head of the humerous bone forming the cuff. A rotator cuff injury is the degenerative change in the tendons that can include microscopic tears and scar tissue as well as inflammation.
A rotator cuff injury can result in a problem known as impingement syndrome, which is quite painful and limits movement. This can be a combination of bursitis and tendonitis.
A rotator cuff injury can be a degenerative condition which is worsened by a fall or a near fall when trying to grab onto something. A rotator cuff injury is usually treated first with steroid injections, physical therapy, and NSAIDS.
Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment
A rotator cuff injury treatment focuses on allowing the injured tendon to rest and allow healing, decrease inflammation around the tendon and to correct imbalances that put stress on the injured tendon. If the pain from a rotator cuff injury persists, arthroscopic surgery is sometimes performed to correct the problems.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis is often referred to as a rotator cuff injury, because there isn't any evidence of inflammation. The pain experienced from a rotator cuff injury is often worsened by pulling, reaching, lifting, and pushing as well as positioning the affected arm above shoulder level or lying on the affected side.
Pain from a rotator cuff injury may prevent restful sleep and may awaken a person from sleep if they roll onto the affected shoulder. The diagnosis of a rotator cuff injury is normally based upon the physical symptoms and an examination by a physician.
Imaging tests are ordered in many cases if the pain persists or worsens and surgery is considered for the treatment of a rotator cuff injury.