The rotator cuff in the shoulder is made up of four muscles connected by several tendons. It covers the head of the humerus or upper arm bone where it meets the shoulder bone. The rotator cuff allows the shoulder joint to move in many directions, and it helps to stabilize the shoulder joint. Due to the variety of movements the shoulder can do, the rotator cuff is a common site for injuries. However, many injuries can be prevented.
Trauma
A bad fall or blow to the shoulder can cause an injury to the rotator cuff, according to the National Institutes of Health. This can lead to a ligament or muscle tear. The rotator cuff can also become pinched between the bones in the shoulder joint, which can cause pain and other symptoms. Falling on a outstretched arm in order increases the risk of injuring the rotator cuff area.
Overuse
Participating in sports that require a lot of shoulder movement, such as throwing a ball, swimming or swinging a club or racket, can contribute to tears in the rotator cuff. The Mayo Clinic claims that any job that requires a lot of lifting, pushing and pulling also increases the risk of straining the rotator cuff. The injury may begin as shoulder tendinitis or bursitis that continues untreated. Over time, the tendons and ligaments can go into a degenerative process and eventually tear. These types of injuries are more common in people over age 40, when the natural aging process causes weakness in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. The best defense are rest and treating the area as soon as any symptoms are felt.
Weakened Muscles
Weak shoulder muscles can be a contributing factor in rotator cuff injuries. Keeping the shoulder muscles strong is especially important when playing sports, such as baseball and tennis, that require a lot of shoulder movements. The rotator cuff muscles are designed to help stabilize the joint when reaching overhead. If the muscles are weak, excessive force may be placed on the tendons and ligaments, which can lead to tears. Along with a strength training program, it helps to incorporate a daily stretching program to keep the shoulder joint and muscles flexible.
