What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Does your shoulder hurt when you reach overhead, put on a shirt or lie on your side at night?
You may have heard the term “rotator cuff injury” but aren’t sure what it actually means.
Rotator cuff problems are a common cause of shoulder pain and can affect people who play sport, go to the gym or simply use their shoulders regularly.
The good news is that many shoulder problems can be managed with the right combination of exercise, activity modification and gradual strengthening.
What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that help control movement and stability of the shoulder.
These muscles work together whenever you lift, reach, push or pull with your arm.
Because the shoulder moves through such a large range of motion, the rotator cuff can be exposed to significant loads during everyday activities and exercise.
What causes rotator cuff pain?
Rotator cuff pain can develop for several reasons.
Common contributors include:
- Sudden increases in gym or sporting activity
- Repeated overhead movements
- Heavy lifting
- Reduced shoulder strength or endurance
- Previous shoulder injuries
- Changes in training volume
- Age-related changes in the shoulder
Sometimes there isn’t one specific injury or event that caused the pain.
Shoulder pain can gradually develop as the demands placed on the shoulder increase.
What does a rotator cuff problem feel like?
Common symptoms include:
- Pain when lifting your arm
- Pain reaching overhead
- Discomfort when reaching behind your back
- Shoulder pain when sleeping on the affected side
- Weakness during lifting or pushing
- Pain during gym or sporting activities
The location and severity of symptoms can vary between people.
Should you stop using your shoulder?
Not necessarily.
Complete rest isn’t usually required for most rotator cuff problems.
Instead, you may need to temporarily modify activities that significantly aggravate your symptoms.
For example, you might reduce the weight you’re lifting, perform fewer repetitions or avoid painful overhead movements temporarily.
As symptoms improve, you can gradually rebuild your strength and return to normal activities.
Can strengthening help?
Yes.
Progressive strengthening is an important part of rehabilitation for many rotator cuff problems.
Exercises may include:
- External rotation exercises
- Internal rotation exercises
- Shoulder raises
- Rows
- Pressing exercises
- Progressive resistance exercises
The exercises should be matched to your current strength and symptoms and gradually progressed over time.
When should you see a physiotherapist?
You’d be wise to get your shoulder assessed if:
- Pain has lasted for several weeks.
- You have significant weakness.
- You can’t comfortably lift your arm.
- Shoulder pain is affecting your sleep.
- Your pain is stopping you from exercising or working.
- Symptoms aren’t improving despite modifying activity.
A physiotherapist can assess your shoulder and help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
How physiotherapy can help
At Back to Health Physiotherapy, we assess your shoulder in the context of your lifestyle, work, sport and exercise goals.
Treatment may include:
- Individualised strengthening
- Shoulder mobility exercises
- Progressive resistance training
- Exercise modification
- Advice about gym and sporting activities
- Load management
- A gradual return to normal activity
- Hands-on Therapy if indicated
The aim isn’t simply to make your shoulder feel better. It’s to improve its strength and capacity so you can confidently use it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a rotator cuff injury the same as a tear?
Not necessarily. Rotator cuff problems can range from pain and irritation through to partial or full-thickness tendon tears. Pain alone doesn’t tell you whether a tear is present.
Should I stop exercising with shoulder pain?
Usually, you don’t need to stop everything. Modifying exercises and reducing the load may allow you to continue training while your shoulder recovers.
Can a rotator cuff injury heal without surgery?
Many rotator cuff problems can be managed successfully with conservative treatment, including exercise and activity modification. Your treatment will depend on your individual symptoms and diagnosis.
When should I see a physiotherapist?
If shoulder pain is persistent, affecting your sleep or limiting your movement, an assessment can help determine the best approach.
Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Hold You Back
Shoulder pain doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stop using your arm or give up the activities you enjoy.
With appropriate load management and progressive strengthening, you can build your shoulder’s capacity and confidence.
Back to Health Physiotherapy can assess your shoulder and develop an individualised plan to help you return to the activities you enjoy.