Decoding Shoulder Pain: Rotator Cuff Tears

Understanding the Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that come together to form a covering around the head of the humerus. This cuff attaches the humerus to the shoulder blade and helps to lift and rotate your arm.

How Tears Occur

Rotator cuff tears can occur in two ways: acutely (from an injury like a fall) or chronically (from degeneration and wear-and-tear over time). Degenerative tears are increasingly common as we age.

Symptoms

• Pain at rest and at night, particularly if lying on the affected shoulder
• Pain when lifting and lowering your arm or with specific movements
• Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
• Crepitus or a crackling sensation when moving your shoulder in certain positions

Treatment Options

Many patients with rotator cuff tears manage their symptoms through non-surgical treatments such as rest, activity modification, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. When surgery is required, modern arthroscopic techniques allow for minimally invasive repair and faster recovery times.