The rotator cuff is an arrangement of muscles and connective tissue that joins the arm to the shoulder. As the name implies, the rotator cuff performs movements that are necessary for regular shoulder motion. The rotator cuff is used to hold the head of the humerus in the socket in the shoulder. Since we put so much stress on our shoulders and highly mobile joints, it’s no surprise that injuries are a common occurrence to this relatively delicate part of the body. 

There are a wide range of causes for rotator cuff injury, and learning about them can be helpful whether you have just been diagnosed with this condition or you are researching potential causes of your shoulder pain. While you should always work with a medical professional to determine the underlying cause of your rotator cuff injury, we hope the following information can help you take a more active role in your care. 

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how we can help, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Rotator cuff injuries can be caused by these factors

If a patient is diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury, it is usually in relation to one of the following factors:  

1. Sports-related injury — Any athletic activity that uses the arms has a high risk for developing rotator cuff injuries. This includes baseball, tennis, football, weightlifting and golf, among others. 
2. The natural aging process — As we get older, our bodies begin to lose water content. This makes connective tissue more injury prone, including the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the rotator cuff. 
3. Physically demanding jobs — Any job that requires repetitive shoulder movement, such as construction, factory work, plumbing or carpentry, can strain the shoulders and lead to a rotator cuff injury. 

For nearly any cause of a rotator cuff injury, physical therapy can be a highly effective form of treatment. Physical therapists can help with the rehabilitation process by strengthening the shoulder muscles and making them less injury prone while also teaching movements that decrease strain on the rotator cuff. 

Find relief from your rotator cuff injury

When you come to our warm and inviting clinic, we’ll help you learn about the causes and contributors of your rotator cuff injury while developing an effective and personalized treatment plan. Learn more about how we can help and schedule your initial appointment by contacting us today.