The rotator cuff which is often mislabeled as the rotary cup, is composed of four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. The rotator cuff muscles work as stabilizers in the shoulder joint by keeping good contact of the humeral head (ball) on the glenoid (socket). When everything is working and functioning correctly, the shoulder has the ability to move into multiple planes with a large amount of range of motion.  

Rotator cuff injuries can be either acute or degenerative. Acute injuries are a one-time injury such as a fall on an out-stretched arm or lifting a too heavy object. Degenerative injuries are the result of long-term overuse or repetitive stress and strain on the tendons and muscles and increased risk factors include people over 40, overhead athletes such as tennis or baseball players, or professions requiring repetitive overhead work such as painters or carpenters.

Rotator cuff injuries are common and can occur at any age, but increase in incidence with age. It’s important to note that some rotator cuff injuries can be asymptomatic. Common rotator cuff symptoms include:

-Avoiding certain activities because of pain

-Decreased and painful shoulder ROM

-Difficulty sleeping or lying on the affected shoulder

-Pain or tenderness with overhead reaching

-Pain in the shoulder, especially at night

-Progressive weakness of the shoulder

-Difficulty reaching behind the back

Rotator cuff injuries can fall into a few different categories including tendinitis, tendinopathy, or tear. Acute injury and inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons can occur and result in rotator cuff tendinitis. If the problem persists or with overuse, we term it as rotator cuff tendinopathy where there is no inflammation of the tendons, but there are now degenerative changes in the tendons. Rotator cuff tears are classified as partial- or full-thickness and commonly only one or two of the tendons will have a tear.

One of the most common discussions I have with patients is that you can live with a rotator cuff tear. Surgery isn’t necessarily a requirement when there’s a tear and with a well-rounded course of physical therapy and patience, patients can see pretty impressive results and increased overall function and strength. In my experience, we’re always looking for a quick fix and while the surgery may be quick, the 6+ months of post-op rehab is anything but quick or painless.  

If you are interested in learning more or about treatment options, don’t hesitate to call/text 701-318-4731 or email alison@pinnalcetherapywellness.com to learn how we can help. Don’t forget to follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the happenings at Pinnacle Therapy & Wellness.