What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles and tendons that come together to surround the head or ball of the upper arm bone and helps keep it within the socket of the joint. The rotator cuff helps raise and rotate your arm away from your body. Damage to these structures will weaken and cause pain in your shoulder and make daily activities like showering or getting dressed more difficult to do.
Types of Rotator Cuff Tears
- Partial
- The tendon is still attached to the upper arm bone.
- Full-thickness
- The tendon has completely separated from the upper arm bone.
How Does This Happen?
- Trauma/Acute Tear
- Falling on an outstretched arm
- Lifting something too heavy
- Degenerative Tear
- This occurs through natural “wear and tear” of a tendon slowly through overuse as we age.
- More common in the dominant arm.
Symptoms
- Pain that is worse at night
- Disturbed sleep
- Weakness lifting or rotating the arm
- Clicking
Risk Factors
- Trauma
- Age > 40
- Overuse/Repetitive Motions
- Poor blood supply
- Smoking
Rotator Cuff Injury Specialists in the Twin Cities
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a rotator cuff injury please contact us today to set up your appointment with a Minnesota physical therapist. We have physical therapy clinics located in Minneapolis and Edina.
