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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Rotator Cuff Injuries

Condition: Rotator Cuff Injuries

Also called: Rotator Cuff Tears

What is a rotator cuff?

Your rotator cuff is part of your shoulder joint. It's a group of muscles and tendons that holds the top part of your upper arm bone firmly in your shoulder socket. The rotator cuff keeps your shoulder stable when you move your arm in any direction.

What are rotator cuff injuries?

Rotator cuff injuries are common. Most of them are wear-and-tear injuries from doing the same arm movements over and over - especially reaching over your head. With time, the tissues in the rotator cuff break down, leading to these injuries:

  • Tendinitis. The tendons in the rotator cuff connect your muscles to your shoulder bones. In tendinitis, the tendons become irritated and swollen from being pinched during shoulder movements.
  • Bursitis. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that pads the space between the rotator cuff and the bones of your shoulder. Bursitis happens when the muscle and bone rub the bursa too much. It swells with extra fluid, which causes pain
  • Rotator cuff tears. Tears in a rotator cuff tendon can happen over time or suddenly from an injury, such as falling on an outstretched arm or lifting something heavy. A tear may go part way through a tendon (partial tear) or all the way through (full tear).

Who is more likely to develop a rotator cuff injury?

Anyone can develop a rotator cuff injury. But certain people are more likely to have one:

  • People over age 40. Most rotator cuff injuries are from the wear and tear of aging. By age 80, most adults have tears.
  • Athletes. Playing sports with repeated shoulder movements increases the risk of a rotator cuff injury, for example, tennis, swimming, and baseball - especially pitching.
  • People in jobs that require a lot of reaching overhead or heavy lifting. Carpenters, construction workers, and painters are examples of workers who may be more likely to have rotator cuff problems.

What are the symptoms of rotator cuff injuries?

Rotator cuff injuries don't always cause pain. But when they do, the pain is often in the top part of your arm or shoulder. You may feel more pain when you:

  • Lie down, especially on the injured shoulder
  • Lift your arm or lower it to the front or side
  • Reach behind your back

Other symptoms from a torn rotator cuff may include:

  • Loss of strength in the arm
  • Clicking or popping sounds when you move your arm

How are rotator cuff injuries diagnosed?

To find out if you have a rotator cuff injury, your health care provider:

  • Will examine your shoulder. This includes checking the range of motion and where the pain is.
  • Will test your arm and shoulder strength.
  • May order imaging tests, such as x-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI scan.

What are the treatments for rotator cuff injuries?

The best treatment for you depends on your age, how much your injury bothers you, and whether your injury was sudden or happened from wear and tear.

Treatments for rotator cuff injuries often include:

  • Rest
  • Putting ice or a cold pack on the sore area
  • Pain relievers to lessen pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen or aspirin
  • Physical therapy exercises to strengthen your shoulder and improve movement
  • A corticosteroid shot into your shoulder joint if other treatments don't help with the pain

Treatments for rotator cuff tendinitis and bursitis may also include ultrasound therapy. Surgery may be an option if your shoulder doesn't feel better in 6 to 12 months.

Treatments for a torn rotator cuff may also include heat to the sore area or electrical stimulation of the nerves and muscles (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS).

You provider may suggest surgery if your tear is large or is from a recent injury, or symptoms last for 6 to 12 months.

When should I see a health care provider for shoulder pain?

If certain activities bother your shoulder, it's best to stop doing them and check with your provider. That's because early treatment can prevent mild rotator cuff injuries from becoming more serious later on. If you your arm feels weak right after a sudden injury to your shoulder, see your provider as soon as possible.

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/rotatorcuffinjuries.html?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

Shoulder Injuries and Disorders

Your shoulder joint is composed of three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone). Your shoulders are the most movable joints in your body. They can also be unstable because the ball of the upper arm is larger than the shoulder socket that holds it. To remain in a stable or normal position, the shoulder must be anchored by muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Because your shoulder can be unstable, it can be easily injured. Common problems include:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Dislocations
  • Separations
  • Tendinitis
  • Bursitis
  • Torn rotator cuffs
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Arthritis

Health care providers diagnose shoulder problems by using your medical history, a physical exam, and imaging tests.

Often, the first treatment for shoulder problems is RICE. This stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Other treatments include exercise and medicines to reduce pain and swelling. If those don't work, you may need surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/shoulderinjuriesanddisorders.html?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

UAMS Health - Dr. Wesley K. Cox on Rotator Cuff Tears

Contents

  • Resources
  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Resources Related to Rotator Cuff Injuries

Dr. Wesley K. Cox on Rotator Cuff Tears (Video)

One of the most common issues orthopaedic surgeons deal with is rotator cuff injuries. Dr. Wesley K. Cox explains how injuries happen and how to fix them.

Watch the Video

Treatments and Procedures Related to Rotator Cuff Injuries

UAMS providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Reverse Shoulder Replacement
  • Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Providers Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Rotator Cuff Injuries. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


Tyler L. CarlLee, M.D.

Tyler L. CarlLee, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

View Profile
Wesley K. Cox, M.D.

Wesley K. Cox, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

View Profile
Navin R. Kilambi, M.D.

Navin R. Kilambi, M.D. Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon

View Profile
Lawrence K. 'Larry' O'Malley II, M.D.

Lawrence K. "Larry" O'Malley II, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

View Profile
Charles E. 'Chuck' Pearce Jr., M.D.

Charles E. "Chuck" Pearce Jr., M.D. Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon

View Profile
Justin M. Rabinowitz, M.D.

Justin M. Rabinowitz, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

View Profile
Chad E. Songy, M.D.

Chad E. Songy, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Rotator Cuff Injuries

Note that the treatment of Rotator Cuff Injuries may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

Filter the Locations


UAMS Orthopaedic Clinic, Colonel Glenn Road

Orthopaedic Clinic on Colonel Glenn

10815 Colonel Glenn Road
Suite 500
Little Rock, AR 72204

Appointment Phone Numbers
501-526-1046
New Patients
501-406-9201
Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
UAMS Orthopaedic Clinic on Shackleford

Orthopaedic Clinic on Shackleford

2 Shackleford West Blvd.
Little Rock, AR 72211

Appointment Phone Numbers
501-526-1046
New Patients
501-614-2663
Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Clinic exterior

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Clinic in Fayetteville

201 W. Van Asche Loop
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
479-966-4491
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Clinic in Lowell

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Clinic in Lowell

507 W. Monroe Ave.
Lowell, AR 72745

Appointment Phone Number
479-334-7030
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Exterior of Baptist-UAMS Ortho

UAMS Baptist Health Orthopaedic Clinic in Conway

625 United Drive
Suite 350
Conway, AR 72032

Appointment Phone Number
501-358-6792
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Rotator Cuff Injuries

shoulder exam in clinic

Shoulder and Elbow Orthopaedics (Part of Orthopaedics)

At UAMS Health, our fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons are leaders when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder and elbow issues.

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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