Understanding rotator cuff injuries: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Image for representational purposes only. Photo Courtesy: iStock

Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common types of shoulder injuries. Here, we explain to you the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options. Understanding more about these injuries and exploring innovative treatments and preventative measures, will work towards minimising their occurrence.

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, playing a crucial role in its stability and functionality. Being responsible for such important movements and stability of the shoulder, the rotator cuff is prone to injuries. These injuries occur as a result of repetitive overuse or sudden trauma. A repetitive rotator cuff injury may not have immediate consequences and neglecting it could lead to chronic pain or limited mobility in the long term.

Types of rotator cuff injuries
1. Traumatic
These injuries are usually a result of a fall or a sudden jerky movement of the shoulder. These patients usually present with acute pain in the upper arm and may often not be able to lift their arms.

2. Repetitive overuse
These types of injuries are quite common and often result from repetitive arm movements, particularly those involving reaching over one's head. Over time, the tissues in the rotator cuff begin to deteriorate, leading to various types of injuries such as tendinitis and rotator cuff tears.

• Tendinitis occurs when the tendons connecting the muscles to the shoulder bones become irritated and swollen due to pinching during shoulder movements. Often times it is associated with bursitis which is a collection of fluid in the pouch above the tendons.
• Rotator cuff tears can occur gradually due to continued impingement and degeneration within the tendon, eventually leading to a thinning of the tendon and tear.

The symptoms
Some common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury are experiencing intense pain that leads to avoidance of certain activities, especially overhead. The movement at the shoulder may gradually reduce causing stiffness. There may be pain on sleeping on the affected side and night pain suggests an early onset of a frozen shoulder. It is important to seek advice from your doctor early if the symptoms are persistent.

Who is prone to developing rotator cuff injuries?
Traumatic and degenerative are the two distinct classifications of rotator cuff injuries. Acute injuries usually stem from a specific incident like lifting objects beyond one's capacity, falling abruptly, or forcefully wrenching the shoulder into an awkward position. This kind of injury tends to be more common amongst relatively younger people.

On the other hand, degenerative injuries arise from prolonged overuse of the shoulder joint. Those at the highest risk for such injuries encompass athletes in sports like tennis, rowing, bowlers, swimmers and wrestling. Some individuals engaged in lifting duties such as painting and carpentry may also be at risk as also people above 50 or excess overhead workouts in the gym.

The diagnosis: To diagnose the rotator cuff injury, a physical examination, which consists of various tests to assess muscle strength, range of motion and pain level can be conducted. Imaging tests play an important role in diagnosing rotator cuff injuries. X-rays are often used to rule out other shoulder problems like fractures or arthritis. MRI or ultrasound can be used to analyse in detail any tears or inflammation in the rotator cuff tendons. After the prompt diagnosis, the treating doctor will decide on an appropriate treatment plan for you.

The treatment: Depending on the severity of the rotator cuff injury, treatment options can vary. In many cases, conservative treatments such as rest, ice, and physical therapy are enough to relieve pain and restore function.

Physical therapy focuses on the restoration of movement and strengthening of the muscles around the shoulder joint to provide better support and stability, helping prevent further damage. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive keyhole procedure that involves the repair of torn tendons back to their original site along with trimming of any bony spurs causing pinching of the tendons. This approach allows for faster recovery with lesser pain and an early return to work.

Tips to prevent rotator cuff injuries: One of the most effective ways to prevent rotator cuff injuries is by maintaining a good posture of the upper back and strengthening the surrounding muscles. It's important to maintain good posture and body mechanics to prevent rotator cuff injuries. When you slouch or have poor posture, your shoulders may be forced into unnatural positions that place excess stress on the rotator cuff tendons.

Simple adjustments like sitting up straight with your shoulders relaxed and down can make a big difference in reducing the risk of injury. If you experience persistent pain or notice any limitations in your range of motion, it's vital to seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention can often prevent minor issues from becoming more severe injuries that require extensive treatment or even surgery.

By incorporating these preventive measures into your routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing painful and debilitating rotator cuff injuries. Remember, taking care of your shoulders now will pay off in the long run by allowing you to stay active and enjoy a full range of motion without any limitations or discomfort.

(Dr Sanjay Garude, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai)