Rotator cuff problems Ngā pokohiwi ngoikore
Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and their tendons that surround your shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly in your shoulder socket.
Causes of rotator cuff problems
Common rotator cuff problems include:
- weak and painful tendons (rotator cuff tendinopathy)
- torn tendons, giving you a rotator cuff tear.
Most rotator cuff tears happen gradually because of long-term wear, deterioration and loss of function of your shoulder tendons. Often, they do not cause any symptoms.
You are at increased risk of rotator cuff tears if you:
- do lots of overhead activities
- use your arms a lot in your work.
Sometimes they can become painful for no apparent reason. The pain will often get better with time and treatment.
Some medical conditions can weaken your tendons, making it more likely that you will get a rotator cuff tear. These include:
- heart disease
- some metabolic disorders
- poor nutrition
- smoking.
Rotator cuff muscles
Symptoms of rotator cuff problems
Symptoms of rotator cuff problems include:
- difficulty lifting your arm outwards or forwards
- needing to help your arm with your other arm
- your shoulder hurting at night
- your arm being weaker than normal.
Sometimes the pain comes on suddenly, or after a traumatic event such as:
- falling on your shoulder
- lifting a heavy object
- falling onto your outstretched hand
- a forceful overhead movement of your arm.
When this happens, it is called an acute tear. You may have pain that goes down into the top of your arm. Your arm may also feel heavy, and you will not be able to move it much.
Diagnosing rotator cuff problems
If you think you have a torn rotator cuff, see your healthcare provider or a physiotherapist.
They will:
- talk to you about your symptoms and what may have caused the tear
- examine you
- decide if you need an ultrasound scan to see where the injury is.
If you have a significant rotator cuff tear, they may refer you to see an orthopaedic specialist. They will decide how to manage your injury.
You can find a physiotherapist on HealthPoint.
Physiotherapy services — HealthPointSelf care for rotator cuff problems
For bad pain, take regular pain relief such as paracetamol. Anti-inflammatory pain relief medicines can also help you manage pain in the short term.
Pain relief medicines for adults
Avoid any heavy lifting. But do not rest completely — you may have more pain if you are completely inactive.
The best treatment for weak and painful rotator cuff tendons (rotator cuff tendinopathy) is to do exercises that help to strengthen them and the muscles around your shoulder. These include:
- shoulder blade squeeze
- resisting rotation inwards and outwards.
The sooner you start doing these exercises, the better. They can stop your muscles from becoming weak.
Things that affect your shoulder tendons include:
- the way you stand and sit (your posture)
- physical activity
- leg strength
- what you eat.
See a physiotherapist to learn about how you can manage your pain and better use your arm. Exercises to improve your posture and strengthen your shoulder may help.
You can find a physiotherapist on HealthPoint.
Treating rotator cuff problems
Most rotator cuff conditions will get better with time, but it can take months.
Physiotherapists can help you to heal by advising on exercises and other treatments for your muscles and tendons.
If your rotator cuff problem does not get better as expected, your healthcare provider may suggest a steroid injection.
If you have a large tear in your rotator cuff or the condition is not healing as expected, you may need to see an orthopaedic surgeon for more investigation. You may need an MRI scan and you may need surgery to help repair the tendon.