The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that holds your upper arm firmly in the shoulder joint. Injury to it can cause weakness in the arm, loss of mobility, and in extreme cases can lead to a shoulder dislocation. While some of these injuries do not cause pain, common symptoms include a dull ache deep in the shoulder, sleep disturbance, loss of overhead mobility, and weakness in the arm.
Who Is Most Susceptible?
While the risk of injuring a rotator cuff increases with age, jobs and sports that require repetitive overhead arm movements are most susceptible. Jobs like house painting and carpentry, and sports like baseball and tennis, are examples. The repetitive overhead motions lead to progressive wear and tear of the tendons over time, which can lead to injury if not properly treated.
How to Avoid a Rotator Cuff Injury
The actions to prevent a rotator cuff injury are pretty simple: strengthen and stretch. There are strengthening exercises that target the rotator cuff, but the resistance needs to be light so you work only the rotator cuff and don't recruit the bigger muscle groups. Stretching the shoulder improves flexibility and lessens tension in the shoulder muscles, which helps prevent small tears during exercise.
Related service: Orthopedic Physical Therapy