What is a rotator cuff tear?

 A rotator cuff tear occurs at one or more of the four tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. These tendons are the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and Teres major. They provide the Glenohumeral joint (shoulder) with dynamic stability.

 Rotator cuff tears are among the most common conditions affecting the shoulder. The most commonly torn tendon in this injury is the Supraspinatus, that passes below the acromion (Together with the caracoid process is the highest point of the shoulder). The tear usually occurs at its point of insertion onto the humeral head at the greater tuberosity.

Possible causes and symptoms of a rotator cuff tear

There are two classifications of the rotator cuff tear.

Acute Tear: This tends to occur at the point of a powerful, sudden movement performed at speed. This can include throwing a ball, or falling onto an outstretched hand. The symptoms usually include:

·         Immediate, tearing feeling in the shoulder, followed by a severe pain through the arm.

·         Reduced range of movement at the shoulder due to severe pain.

·         Severe pain for up to 3 days, usually due to muscle bleeding and muscle spasm. This can resolve itself quickly.

·         Tenderness over the point of the rupture / tear specific to the location of the tendon.

·         You will not be able to abduct your arm (Lift out to the side) without assistant if the injury is severe.

Chronic Tear: A chronic tear develops over a long period of time. It is usually as a result of the tendon rubbing against an overlying bone. This can be associated with an impingement syndrome.

·         Usually found at the dominant side due to an increased use.

·         Can be found when lifting heavy weights, repetitively over a sustained period of time. This may be down to bad form.

·         Pain is worse at night when lying on the shoulder and may affect your sleeping pattern.

·         Gradual worsening of pain, eventually resulting in weakness around the joint.

·         Reduced range of movement at the shoulder joint and unable to abduct (Lift arm out to side) the arm without assistance. Not being able to lift the arm above head height.

Anatomy of the rotator cuff

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilise the shoulder joint, which is a very unstable joint and can be prone to injury. The four muscles of the rotator cuff, along with the teres major and the deltoid, make up the six scapulohumeral (those that connect to the humerus and scapula and act on the glenohumeral joint) muscles of the human body.

Rotator cuff tear treatment

·         Apply ice to reduce swelling (Ensure that you place something between the ice and your skin e.g. a towel).

·         You could control the pain with appropriate over the counter medication.

·         Refrain from performing activities that aggravate and cause pain.

·         If the pain persists for more than 3 – 5 days then please consult a therapist or receive some medical advice for your local GP.