Rotator cuff injuries

What is it?

The rotator cuff is four muscles that combine at the shoulder to form a thick "cuff" over the joint.  It stabilises the shoulder as well as enabling you to lift and rotate your arm.  Injuries will usually begin with inflammation (often referred to as rotator cuff tendinitis).  The muscles can also tear, partially or completely, and if the tear is too severe then surgery is required.

What does it feel like and how does it affect people?

Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include weakness of the arm, loss of movement and shoulder pain.  Some people might only get pain when they lift their arms above their head, while others may not be able to sleep because of it.

How can physiotherapy help?

Your physiotherapist will use some physical tests to see if you have an injury and how severe it is.  An ultrasound scan may help detect any tears.  Your treatment will then aim to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder to compensate and protect damaged tendons and improve shoulder movement.  For most patients, pain is relieved even before the rotator cuff tear is healed.