About Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment - Exercises for Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is an integral part of the shoulder joint which allows a wide variety of shoulder oriented movements. Under normal circumstances these tendons are very strong but excessive stress, age or injury can cause a tear in the rotator cuff and this condition is commonly known as the "rotator cuff tear".

A rotator cuff tear can cause difficulty in performing routine tasks. Rotator cuff problems are usually associated with aging or overuse of the shoulder.

Rotator Cuff Tear Symptoms

The common symptoms associated with rotator cuff tear are:

Severe pain around the shoulder joint
Inability to sleep on the painful side
Inability to perform routine tasks
Inability to lift the shoulder
Popping or clicking sensation on movement of the shoulder joint
Stiffness and loss of motion
Weakness in shoulders

Causes of Rotator Cuff Tear:

The key factors that affect the rotator cuff are broadly categorized as:

Repetitive or Excessive use
Injury
Ageing
Fracture or Dislocation around the shoulder

Age is an important factor because 70% of the rotator cuff tear condition is observed in people above the age of 80. Sports related injuries also lead to rotator cuff tear.

Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment

Some common signs that suggest a rotator cuff tear are tenderness around the shoulder area, immobility of the shoulder, pain in moving the shoulder etc. The common ways to diagnose and confirm a rotator cuff tear are:

X Rays
MRI Scan
Arthrogram

The treatments are suggested depending on the extent of the injury. The common non surgical and surgical forms of treating a rotator cuff tear are:

Non Surgical:

Adequate Rest and Rehabilitation
Hot or Cold Compress
Slings or Joint Assistance aids
Exercises
Physiotherapy etc.
Medication, e.g. NSAIDS, Ketoprofen 20% cream

Surgical:

Arthroscopic Repair
Mini Open Repair
Open Surgical Repair