Rotator Cuff: Q&A

What is the Rotator Cuff & what does it do?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that come together as tendons to form a "cuff" over the head of the upper arm bone. The four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor) originate from the shoulder blade.

The job of the rotator cuff is to lift and rotate the arm, as well as stabilize the ball in the shoulder socket.

What causes a rotator cuff tear and how would I know if I have one?

A rotator cuff tear may result from an acute trauma, such as a fall on ice, or may be due to normal age-related wear and tear.

Commonly, you will feel pain in the front of your shoulder that radiates down the side of your arm, often when reaching overhead, sleeping or lifting with that arm.

Imaging (X-Ray and MRI) will be ordered to fully elucidate your diagnosis.

Can a rotator cuff tear be strengthened without surgery?

Some rotator cuff tears can be treated nonsurgically with anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, and physical therapy. Even though most tears cannot heal on their own, some patients can expect good function to be achieved without surgery.

If, however, you are active and use your arm for overhead work or sports, then surgery is most often recommended because many tears will not heal without surgery.

At what point does a rotator cuff tear require surgery to fix it?

Surgery is recommended if you have persistent pain and/or weakness of your shoulder which does not improve with conservative treatment, such as physical therapy. Frequently, patients who require surgery will report pain at night and difficulty using the arm for lifting and reaching.

Surgery is also indicated in active individuals - of all ages - who use the arm for overhead work or sports. Swimmers, climbers, golfer, and tennis players are typical examples.

For more individualized feedback about your shoulder concerns, please call to schedule for a consultation: 720-726-7995

Author

Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Grit's Impact on ACL Recovery

Overall, grit plays a critical role in ACL recovery by influencing an individual's mindset, behaviors, and outcomes throughout the rehabilitation process.

How Should I Recovery from Workouts with Dr. Catherine Logan? (Nutrition)

Dr. Catherine Logan chats Recovery nutrition plays a crucial role in replenishing energy stores, repairing muscle tissue, and supporting overall recovery after a workout

The Impact of Grit on Athlete's ACL Recovery

Researchers recently investigated grit in relation to outcomes following ACL surgery. Grit is the disposition to strive for long-term goals despite setbacks and challenges.

Regenerative Medicine at Colorado Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics

Combined PRP and Gel (HA) Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis: Is There Benefit to Inject Both?

Symptomatic patients with knee OA who were injected with a combination of PRP and HA demonstrated greater improvement in pain and function compared with patients who received HA injections only,

Supplements for Recovery: Sports Nutrition for Athletes & Patients

Supplements can enhance repair, but only when the foundation (energy, macros, micros, hydration, and timing) is covered. Supplements can be categorized based on how they support (not block) inflammation as well as their role in muscle, tendon, and bone.