Rotator Cuff Injuries: Symptoms and Treatment [2 of 5]

What are the signs of a Rotator cuff injury?

The signs of a rotator cuff injury are:

1. Noticeable pain in the soft tissues surrounding the strain, including nerves, periosteum (covering of bone), blood vessels and lymph vessels at the time of injury.
2. Loss of strength (moderate to severe strain)
3. A common symptom of a rotator cuff injury is aching, and weakness in the shoulder when the arm is lifted overhead.
4. Crepitation ("cracking" feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with finger).
5. Calcification of the shoulder muscle or tendon (visible with x-rays).
6. Inflammation of the tendon sheath. A less severe injury may result in swelling, bleeding and bruising. This creates pain and inflammation as the swollen muscle pushes on the nearby bone. This can last several months before the muscle is entirely healed. Continued activity can increase the swelling, and lengthen the recovery time.

What body parts are involved in a Rotator cuff injury?

The specific body parts involved are four muscles including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor. The bones in the shoulder area, including the humerus, scapula and clavicle.

What are the main causes of a rotator cuff injury?

The main causes of a rotator cuff injury are:

1. Prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon units in the shoulder.
2. Single violent blow or force applied to the shoulder. Powerful muscle twisting or a violent muscle contraction.

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