What Is The Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that connect the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade. The cuff is important for stabilizing the shoulder joint and allowing it to move. The rotator cuff is made up of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor muscle.

The rotator cuff can be injured by overuse, trauma, or a sudden twist of the arm. It is very common injury in people who performed ‘over head’ lifting activities, such as weight lifters, tennis players or plasterers.

How Does A Rotator Cuff Injury Feel?

It is a common injury in the shoulder where the tendons and muscles in the shoulder become strained and can be damaged. The most common symptoms are pain, weakness, and loss of range of motion.

The main symptom of a rotator cuff tear is pain or weakness in one or both shoulders. A rotator cuff tear can make it difficult to move your arm, especially when lifting it up or out to the side. You may also notice that your arm feels heavy or weak when you use it.

How Do We Treat A Rotator Cuff?

Treatment for rotator cuff injuries can be comprehensive and should be individualised. However it usually involves rest, ice packs, and physical therapy exercises .

The aim of physical therapy treatment and exercises should be to remove pain, restore movement and increase both strength and stability of the shoulder.

If a suitable treatment and rehabilitation program is not successful there is the option of steroid injections and appropriate surgery. However, these should only be explored if a physical therapy program has not been successful.

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How Long Does A Rotator Cuff Injury Take To Heal?

Whilst a rotator cuff injury is a common problem, healing times can vary due to the complexity of the muscle group. It typically takes about six weeks for the injury to heal completely, with most people recovering within three months.

In this video Jon discusses in detail all things rotator cuff.