01/04/2021
The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles that all attach to the shoulder blade (scapula.). The tendons of these 4 muscles attach around the top of the upper arm bone (humerus), much like the "cuff" of long shirt sleeve. Their primary role is to hold the ball on the socket of the shoulder joint (gleno-humeral joint.) They also help to rotate and depress the humerus, putting it in positions to allow various planes of movement. Although rather small, their job is critically important. They are susceptible to tendinitis and tears. The most common problem I see is impingement, which is pinching and aggravation of the tendons. Pain is usually worse with overhead reaching and lifting. This problem is usually improved significantly with a skilled physical therapy program alone. Rotator cuff tears are most common after 40. They can occur from ongoing impingement, and from trauma, such as catching yourself from a fall with an outstretched arm. A telltale sign of a tear is a deep ache that makes sleep difficult, not just when lying on the shoulder. Your physical therapist can help diagnose this issue, and may likely refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for diagnostics, usually via MRI or diagnostic ultrasound. I've had 3 of these surgeries! 🤦🏼♂️ 1 on my left shoulder and 2, 10 years apart, on my right. Most significant tears require surgery. Waiting too long can make a repair difficult or impossible.
