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Who gets rotator cuff injuries?

You are at greater risk of rotator cuff injury if you: are over 40 years of age; have poor posture or weak shoulder muscles; do repetitive overhead movements, such as painting ceilings, playing tennis or bowling a cricket ball; play high-impact sports, which puts you at risk of a trauma injury; have had previous shoulder surgery, injuries or structural problems, and; smoke.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are rotator cuff injuries?

Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common types of shoulder injury. The rotator cuff is the name given to a group of four muscles and their tendons, which form a supportive cuff around the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injuries refer to irritation, …

What are the symptoms of rotator cuff injuries?

Rotator cuff disorders usually result in weakness and pain, especially when attempting to lift your arm or reach over your head. The level of pain and weakness may depend on the type and severity of your injury. Sometimes, small or partial …

What causes rotator cuff injuries?

Rotator cuff injuries are very common. Tears are often due to a sudden, jarring movement, or repeated use of a tendon. Overuse of your tendons, through repetitive actions or blunt impact, are the most common causes. Inflammation and restriction in …

How is a rotator cuff injury diagnosed?

To diagnose a rotator cuff injury, your doctor will take your medical history and ask you to perform gentle arm movements, to assess your tendons. This is often enough to make a diagnosis. Imaging tests such as MRI, ultrasound and X-ray are only …

How are rotator cuff injuries treated?

Rest is often the best treatment for a rotator cuff injury. Avoiding triggering factors, performing gentle exercise, and applying either cold or heat packs are enough to calm down many cases. Pain-relief medications can often help treat moderate to …

What can be done at home to treat rotator cuff injuries?

Many cases of rotator cuff injury can be fully treated at home, with rest being the best option. Avoid trigger factors and take pain-relief medications for the first few days. Ice or heat packs are effective in reducing pain and …

Are there different types of rotator cuff injuries?

The name 'rotator cuff injuries' is used to describe any condition that affects the tendons and muscles within your rotator cuff. This can cover irritation, impingement and tears of tendons and muscles.

What is the outlook for rotator cuff injuries?

Rotator cuff injuries need to be properly assessed and treatment options followed, otherwise you may have reduced movement or use of the joint. Severe rotator cuff injury can result in reduced range of motion and ongoing disability. Avoiding …

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 07 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Votes: 412 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Frozen shoulder

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