What is A rotator Cuff TEar?
What is injured in a torn rotator cuff?
A rotator cuff tear could consist of an insult or injury to any of the following muscles and/or their tendons. A rotator cuff tear can be a chronic injury that develops over time or a trauma such as a sudden fall. In an overuse injury, the soft tissues may start to fray, often caused by repeated activities. A tear can be partial or complete, with the muscle being torn into two pieces.
What are the symptoms of a torn rotator cuff?
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear can include shoulder pain, stiffness, and weakness. You may have difficulty raising the arm overhead or lifting objects, especially above shoulder height. Getting dressed, washing your hair, or tucking in a shirt can be difficult. Sleeping can be limited because of shoulder pain.
Rotator cuff tears typically occur at the junction where the tendon attaches to the bone and are can be caused by both extrinsic (outside) and intrinsic (inside) factors. More on Rotator Cuff Tears
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Rotator Cuff Anatomy
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Contributing Authors, Collaborators, & Colleagues:
Jordan Bork, PT, DPT, CFSC
Kerri Smith, PT, DPT, CFSC
Katie Hutchins, PT, DPT
Kamy Brandt, PT, DPT
Heidi Biehl, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CFSC
Benjamin Wobker, PT, MSPT, CSCS, SFMA
Joe nance, PT, MPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT, ATC
DR. Samuel Koo, MD
Dr. Mike Codsi, MD
DR. Jamie Antoine, MD
Dr. Vincent Santoro, MD
Dr. Camile Clinton, MD
Dr. Hank Pelto, MD
Dr. Bob AdamS, DO
Dr. Christian Peterson, DO
DR. Chris Wahl, MD
Dr. Dayne Mickelson, MD
DR. Tyler Nathe, MD
Dr. Thomas CastLe,MD
Dr. Michael Sailer, MD
Dr. Greg Komenda, MD
References:
Orthopedic Physical Assessment, 4th Edition. David J. Magee, 2006. www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/93095-overview
Kim TK, et al. "Clinical features of the different types of SLAP lesions" Journal of Bone Joint Surgery Am. 2003 Jan;85-A(1):66-71. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1261463-overview
Mayo Clinic: Rotator Cuff; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rotator-cuff-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350225
WebMD: Rotator Cuff; https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/qa/what-causes-rotator-cuff-problems
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