Rotator Cuff Pain – Shoulder Injuries that Require Extensive Treatment

Rotator cuff is a combination of four muscles and these are responsible for the stabilization and movement of shoulder joint. These muscles or its ligaments may damage due to gradual aging, chronic overuse and acute injury, which leads to acute pain in shoulder joints.

Rotator Cuff Pain – Causes and Symptoms

Common cause of rotator cuff injury is trauma, which occurs due to shoulder injuries, falling, excessive sports, etc. Continuous overhead motions lead to muscle fatigue and this ultimately causes injury in rotator cuff. Rotator cuff pain is the major symptom of this disease and the pain intensifies when you move your shoulder. Pain also increases during night and when you lie on affected shoulder. Tenderness and inflammation in affected area are the other symptoms of the disease. Due to rotator cuff pain, you feel difficulty to lift your arm. The disease can be diagnosed by taking X-rays, MRI scan and CT scan. It can also be diagnosed by observing symptoms and activity history of patients.

Rotator Cuff Muscle – Major Functions

Rotator cuff is formed with four muscles such as subscapularis, teres minor, infraspinatus and supraspinatus. Each of these muscles joins at shoulder and due to which, a thick cuff is formed. Rotator cuff muscle originates from scapula or shoulder blade. Stabilization of shoulder, rotation and elevation of arms are the major functions of rotator cuff. Supraspinatus muscle originates from scapula and it stretches till humerus. Abduction of arm is the major function of this muscle. Rotation of shoulder joint externally is the function of infraspinatus and teres minor muscles. Anterior of scapula is the starting place of subscapularis muscle and it sits directly over ribs. Ensuring free movement of arm is the responsibility of this muscle. Each rotator cuff muscle works unanimously for the stabilization of humerus head in shoulder or glenohumeral joints.

Rotator Cuff Treatment – The Remedies

You can reduce swelling by applying ice on the affected area and by taking rest. You can also put sling on shoulder. Rotator cuff treatment also include anti inflammatory drugs such as naproxen or ibuprofen. However, overuse of these medicines may lead to kidney or stomach problems in patients who use warfarin, a blood thinner. Rotator cuff disease can also be treated by injecting steroid medication. Shoulder exercise is very effective so you can consult a physiotherapist for getting guidance in this regard. If the problem is very severe, surgical procedure is needed to correct it. Immediate medical care is essential if pain continues even after home remedies and medication.