Rotator cuff injuries

Rotator cuff injuries account for a high number of the problems associated with shoulder pain.

The rotator cuff is made up of 4 different muscles and the attached tendons and plays a key role in supporting the shoulder and keeping it stable.

A common rotator cuff injury is inflammation of the tendons, also known as rotator cuff tendonitis, which affects a number of athletes from different sports. Tearing the rotator cuff muscles is also a frequent injury and can cause a tremendous amount of discomfort.

Sports that require athletes to quickly pivot and rotate their arms frequently cause rotator cuff injuries. Fielding, batting and pitching in baseball and similar sports put a huge amount of strain on the rotator cuff. Quarterbacks in American Football also experience a lot of rotator cuff injuries, which is why you’ll often see them with an ice-pack on their shoulder.

Rehabilitation from rotator cuff injuries involves resting the shoulder and applying ice to the area to reduce inflammation. Flexibility exercises should be undertaken and gradually built up, until an athlete can enjoy a full range of movement without experiencing discomfort. It is also advisable to consult with a GP or physio after suffering any shoulder injury to ensure a more serious injury hasn’t occurred.

We’ve got more information on rotator cuff injuries listed in the articles below, with lots of useful help and advice.