Rotator cuff inujry: Why it's nothing to shrug about

2-minute read

When you reach for an item on an overhead store shelf, throw a runner out at home plate during your weekend softball league game, or use a hair dryer, a group of shoulder muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff makes those activities possible. If those actions spark shoulder pain, a rotator cuff injury may be to blame.

The rotator cuff holds the shoulder joint together. Its four tendons attach the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade, allowing you to move your arm and perform shoulder rotations. Rotator cuff injuries can reduce range of motion and cause discomfort with activities ranging from swinging a golf club to doing household chores. Even brushing your teeth can be painful. Fortunately, most rotator cuff injuries don't require surgery, and you can take steps to prevent them.

Rotator cuff injury 101

Most rotator cuff injuries develop over time from repetitive motion of the arms. Repetitive overhead or heavy lifting on the job or playing sports involving a lot of shoulder movement can wear down the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. This can lead to swelling in the tendons (known as tendinitis) or inflammation of a sac between the rotator cuff and shoulder bones (bursitis).

A common shoulder injury is a rotator cuff tear. This occurs when a rotator cuff tendon partially or completely separates from the upper arm bone. Like other rotator cuff injuries, most tears occur due to repetitive motion.

What are some clues that you may have a rotator cuff injury? Telltale signs include:

Clicking or crackling sounds when you move your shoulder
Pain in your upper arm and shoulder, especially after lifting your arm or when lying on the affected side
Reduced arm strength

Pain relief without surgery

Surgery may be a good option for a persistent rotator cuff injury. However, up to 85% of patients with a rotator cuff tear find pain relief and improved shoulder performance from nonsurgical treatments, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These treatments include:

• Avoiding activities that cause shoulder pain, such as overhead movements and lifting heavy objects, to protect the tendons from further damage and allow healing to occur
• Getting a corticosteroid injection in the shoulder joint
• Taking nonprescription pain-relieving medications
• Using heat or ice, which can reduce pain and increase (heat) or decrease (ice) the amount of blood flowing to tissues
  
• Working with a physical therapist to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion

Preventing rotator cuff injury and shoulder pain

Not every rotator cuff problem is preventable. You can, however, take steps to reduce your risk and help your shoulder tendons stay healthy. Start by including shoulder work in your exercise routine.

Strong, flexible shoulder tendons may be more resistant to wear and tear. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a variety of stretches and exercises that can help prevent rotator cuff injuries by improving tendon strength and range of motion. Check with your primary care provider or orthopedic specialist before starting shoulder exercises.

Adopting good posture can also help you avoid shoulder pain. What does good posture look like? When sitting or standing, keep your shoulders back and relaxed and your back straight. Follow your mother's advice and don't slouch.

Tired of dealing with persistent shoulder pain? Learn how the orthopedic specialists at the Reid Health Comprehensive Bone & Joint Center can help.