The Details of Rotator Cuff Tears

We often hear about the rotator cuff (RTC) and how much pain and annoyance it can cause a person. Unfortunately, most people are not given good education on the actual causes, prognosis, and anatomy of the rotator cuff. Below are some examples of causes for rotator cuff tears, anatomy of the rotator cuff, and how best to address the rotator cuff tear.

Anatomy of the RTC

The rotator cuff is a combination of a few smaller muscles of the shoulder including:

• Supraspinatus
• Infraspinatus
• Subscapularis
• Teres Minor

These muscles help with rotating the arm up and back. Movements such as washing your hair or throwing a ball most frequently involve the rotator cuff and may be difficult with a tear.

Causes for a RTC Tear

Most commonly a torn rotator cuff happens over time due to the below activities:

• Frequent overhead activity
• Lifting heavy objects
• Throwing, or overhead sports activities

A rotator cuff tear can also happen acutely via:

• Catching a fall
• Falling on an outstretched hand
• Quick jerking movement when lifting a heavy object

Signs and symptoms of a RTC tear

• Pain with reaching overhead, side to side, or behind your back
• Radiating pain to the posterior shoulder blade or the side of the arm
• Weakness when lifting the arm

Diagnosis and Treatment

Physical Therapists use a series of special tests to determine whether there may be a tear or another shoulder injury. These tests isolate specific muscles and allow them to  resolve which muscle may be torn. Another way to determine a tear is through an MRI or CT scan which can be costly depending upon insurance authorizations.

Treatment options include:

• Steroid injections or oral steroids which do not resolve the source of pain but are good for short-term pain
• Physical Therapy can help to improve shoulder stability and postural strength as well as offer a chance to avoid reinjury through improved body mechanics. We can also improve your post-surgery results if surgery becomes an necessity
• Surgery can be an option for increased pain and larger tears, however, there is a long recovery time and increased expense.

Coming to Physical Therapy can avoid a doctor’s visit, an expensive bill, reinjury, and longer recovery time. So don’t wait!

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