Getting To Know Your Rotator Cuff

Just in case you are not sure where your rotator cuff is located, it is positioned in your shoulder area. There are several ways to injury the rotator cuff and if you do suffer from such misfortune you will know it. This can usually occurs due to another injury to the area or it become worn down over time. Other this these obvious circumstances, it will take a great deal of force to do damage to this powerful tendon group.

The big things that the rotator cuff does is no small task. The four tendons and the muscles that populate this area all must work together as one unit to keep the shoulder working as it was designed to. This ball and socket joint consists of many complicated movements that must be consistent every time to be effective and pain free. Along with the muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder and cuff are three main bones; the humerus, clavicle and scapula. All these parts must work in unison.

Many people experience problems with their shoulder area because of this wearing down process that happens with living. As necessary as being repetitive is, so too is the damage from these motions and this is very evident in sports and on the job. A closer look at what is really going on under the skin, is the rubbing friction between the bones and the tendons. This will cause slow wearing to occur and is especially prevalent in people with irregular shaped shoulder bones. Those who enjoy playing sports deal with this type of damage, but so do waitresses, carpenters and mechanics who often carry loads that exceed their ability on a regular basis.

More often than not, a condition called bursitis is the end result. This is because of calcium buildup in the tendons where partial tears occur. If inflammation is present, this condition is called tendinitis. You might be thinking that you have a bad or weak shoulder, when in fact your shoulder weakness could be more properly diagnosed as a torn rotator cuff and the inability to raise your arm is the result of damage other than the obvious pain that is involved.

A rotatory cuff tear is very hard to ignore. You will immediately have to deal with the pain. You will also notice a slight distinctive popping noise and know instantly that there has been some damage that will require immediate attention. You will also notice that any movement, especially trying the raise your arm will be all but impossible. Just the mere weight of the arm will cause extreme pain. Sleeping will also be a challenge if you have to move your arm or shoulder much.