Putting It All Together

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to rotator cuff injury.

• The shoulder is the most flexible and versatile joint in the human body. Its "ball-and-socket" structure, with a shallow socket, permits an extremely wide range of motion. But that structure also makes the shoulder vulnerable to a variety of injuries and conditions.

• The rotator cuff consists of four tendons that connect the muscles of the shoulder to the upper arm bone. Together the rotator cuff and shoulder muscles help to stabilize the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff enables muscles to move the arm.

• Pain and weakness in the shoulder are the most common signs of rotator cuff damage. A person with a completely torn rotator cuff usually cannot lift the arm from the side of his or her body.

• Rotator cuff surgery is more likely to be successful if it is performed within three months of the occurrence of a rotator cuff tear.

• Physical therapy is crucial to a successful recovery from rotator cuff surgery. Since a surgically repaired rotator cuff heals slowly, it's also important to be patient, and to wait an appropriate length of time before attempting activities that might strain the rotator cuff.