Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to rotator cuff injury.

Q: What can be done to prevent rotator cuff problems?

A: There are three keys to preventing rotator cuff injuries:

• Maintain strength in the shoulder muscles.

• Maintain flexibility by stretching the shoulders, especially before engaging in a strenuous activity like tennis.

• Use shoulders wisely. Activities such as hammering, throwing a softball, or lifting a heavy weight overhead can put tremendous strain on the shoulder and rotator cuff. Don't do more than you're accustomed to doing.

Q: Why do rotator cuff injuries heal slowly?

A: The rotator cuff, like all tendons, receives little blood. All bodily tissues need blood to heal. Parts of the body that have a better blood supply heal faster that those with a poor supply of blood.

Q: Why begin physical therapy soon after surgery?

A: After surgery, scar tissue accumulates where the rotator cuff tendon has been re-attached to the bone of the upper arm. This is an essential part of the healing process.If the shoulder joint is not moved, however, too much scar tissue may accumulate, or scar tissue may accumulate in the wrong places. This excess scar tissue can hinder movement of the joint, resulting in stiffness and pain.

Q: Why is the rotator cuff so important to the shoulder?

A: The rotator cuff consists of four tendons, each of which is part of a shoulder muscle. If one or more of those tendons is damaged, that muscle cannot move the arm like it is supposed to. If it's torn, the muscle can't do its job at all. A damaged or torn rotator cuff causes several problems:

• The shoulder is painful because of swelling and inflammation.

• The shoulder is not as strong.

• The shoulder may lose some of its range of motion, particularly raising the arm overhead.

Q: Are there any early warning signs of rotator cuff problems?

A: Many people experience weakness, pain, swelling, and/or stiffness in the shoulder long before the rotator cuff actually tears. That's because, while some rotator cuff tears happen suddenly as a result of a fall or injury, most develop gradually, as a result of wear-and-tear on the rotator cuff.If these early warning signs are heeded, physical therapy and other treatments may be able to resolve the problem without surgery. That's why it's important to see a doctor if you notice severe pain in the shoulder or are unable to use the joint properly.