Rotator cuff disorder is a common cause of shoulder pain. The four rotator cuff muscles that act as stabilizers, which surround the shoulder joint are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor. These four muscles join together to form a large tendon called rotator cuff tendon. This tendon passes through the subacromial space. In order for the rotator cuff to move smoothly, there is a fluid-filled sac called subacromial bursa in the space.
Rotator cuff muscles have to be strong to keep the humeral head (ball) in the small glenoid fossa (socket). By centralizing it, impingement, subluxation and dislocation of the shoulder joint can be prevented. The common cause for rotator cuff injury are repetitive overhead movement, swimmer, tennis and baseball players are more vulnerable to this kind of injury. However, the pain can also develop without any reason
The symptoms you may feel: [1]
- Pain around shoulder joint especially during movement
- Pain may worsen if doing overhead activities or hand behind back
- Shoulder may be weak and limited shoulder movement
The three common rotator cuff conditions are: [2]
- Shoulder impingement
- Rotator cuff tear
- Calcific tendinitis
References:
- Miller J. (2017) Rotator cuff syndrome. [Online] Available at: http://physioworks.com.au/injuries-conditions-1/rotator-cuff-injuries [Accessed on 14th March 2017]
- Wright M. (2015) Rotator Cuff disorder. [Online] Available at: http://patient.info/health/rotator-cuff-disorders [Accessed on 14th March 2017]
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