What You Need to Know About Rotator Cuff Injuries

By Jim Batuyong

Injuries to the rotator cuff are common because of our dependence on the shoulder for the many activities we participate in. These injuries can be frustrating because of the limited movement it causes due to the pain in the shoulder. Here are a few things you need to know about rotator cuff injuries.
First, you should know that shoulder pain is extremely common and is caused by many things. Many baseball pitchers develop shoulder pain from throwing the ball but injuries can be caused anytime you overuse your shoulders. Painters, for example, have a high rate of rotator cuff injuries which can be explained by the constant up and down movement required in the job. Since the pain can cause significant problems for the individual, you must identify the cause of the problem so you will be able to get proper treatment.
The obvious and most common symptom of a rotator cuff injury is the pain it causes. Typically, the pain comes from the top of the shoulder and arm but in some cases, the pain is said to come down the outside of the arm all the way to the elbow. Weakness is also very common for people with rotator cuff injuries and the lack of ones ability to lift their arm. This will cause you to have a difficult time doing basic activities like getting dressed or reaching for something overhead.
Although it is a painful injury, most cases of rotator cuff tears can be treated without surgery. Of course, in extreme cases, the damage to the tendons may be bad enough to require surgical repair but those cases are a small minority of people requiring treatment. Most common treatments are physical therapy, anti-inflammatory pain medication and cortisone injections. Physical therapy will help strengthen the muscles around the injured tendon and help compensate for it. Anti-inflammatory pain medications and cortisone injections will help reduce inflammation and reduce the pain to the injured area.
As with any injury that lasts more than three days, you should consult your doctor for treatment. There are several surgical options for rotator cuff tears that will be dependent on the exact type of injury suffered, the surgeons preference, and the type of activities you wish to do after recovery. Before undergoing surgery, discuss other possible options for treatment. If you do not feel surgery is necessary, it would be wise to get a second opinion.