Rotator Cuff Injury
A rotator cuff injury can make everyday tasks—like lifting groceries, reaching overhead, or even sleeping on your side— extremely painful and difficult. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder, and damage to it can range from mild inflammation to full-thickness tendon tears.
At Florida Joint Care Institute, our experienced team of orthopaedic surgeons diagnose and treat rotator cuff injuries so you can regain comfort and mobility.
All content on this page has been medically reviewed in-house by Dr. Pashuk.
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
OVERVIEW
The rotator cuff is critical for shoulder stability and movement. When it’s injured, you may experience shoulder pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion. Injuries vary in severity:
- Tendonitis and/or Bursitis – Inflammation of shoulder tendons or the surrounding bursae, often caused by repetitive overhead movements.
- Partial Tears – Damage that doesn’t completely sever the tendon, but still may limit range of motion or cause pain.
- Complete or Full-Thickness Tears – The tendon is fully torn from the bone, usually leading to marked weakness and pain.
COMMON CAUSES
Rotator cuff injuries happen for many reasons, but the most common include:
- Repetitive Overhead Activities – Sports (swimming, baseball, tennis) or jobs (painting, construction) that stress the shoulder over time.
- Age-Related Degeneration – Natural tendon wear and tear that makes the shoulder more prone to injury.
- Sudden Trauma – Falls on an outstretched arm or lifting heavy objects incorrectly.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Shoulder discomfort often begins subtly, but can worsen if not addressed. Watch for:
- Persistent Shoulder Pain – Especially when lifting your arm overhead or reaching backward.
- Weakness or Catching Sensations – Making it hard to lift objects or rotate your arm without pain.
- Nighttime Discomfort – Pain that interferes with sleep, particularly when lying on the affected side.
Monitor Your Condition
If your shoulder pain persists for more than a week, or you notice difficulty performing daily tasks due to weakness or lack of mobility, schedule an evaluation at our Trinity clinic. Early diagnosis can often prevent the injury from worsening.
The Florida Joint Diagnosis Process
Physical Examination
We’ll assess your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and areas of tenderness.
Imaging Studies
Shoulder x-rays will be performed at your initial clinic visit. A MRI may be ordered, often after a trial of nonoperative treatment, to better evaluate the rotator cuff, as well as other shoulder structures.
Determine Next Steps
Once one of our orthopaedic surgeons determine the extent of your injury, we’ll tailor a treatment plan to address your specific needs and recovery goals.
Treatment Options
NON-SURGICAL
Many rotator cuff injuries (particularly mild or moderate tears) can respond well to nonoperative treatments:
- Rest & Activity Modification – Temporarily limit overhead motions or heavy lifting to allow healing.
- Physical Therapy – Targeted exercises improve strength, flexibility, and function of the shoulder.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications or Injections – Reduce swelling and discomfort, making therapy more manageable.
SURGICAL
For severe injuries or those that don’t improve with nonoperative measures, surgery may be recommended:
- Arthroscopic Repair – A minimally invasive procedure using small incisions to reattach or mend torn tendons.
- Open Surgical Repair or Tendon Transfer – Used in more complex tears or significant tissue damage.
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation – Structured physical therapy is essential for regaining full strength and mobility.
How to Prevent Rotator Cuff Injuries
Being mindful of shoulder health can lower your injury risk:
- Regular Shoulder Stretching and Strengthening Exercises – Focus on warming up your shoulder with gentle stretching and workouts that strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and supporting tissues.
- Use Proper Technique – Whether in sports or daily lifting, ensure correct posture and movement to reduce strain.
- Take Breaks – Avoid excessive repetitive motions and rest when you begin feeling shoulder fatigue or discomfort.
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