These muscles form a cuff that surrounds the humeral head (ball of the shoulder) and help to center the movement of the humeral head on the glenoid cavity (socket).

 

 

 

 

 

Patients who develop rotator cuff injuries are commonly involved in work above shoulder height or sports involving overhead activity such as tennis or throwing sports such as cricket.

 

Rotator cuff injuries include:

• Rotator cuff tendonitis

• Partial or full thickness tears

• Rotator cuff impingement

• Bursitis

• Calcific tendonitis

 

Symptoms associated with rotator cuff injury:

• Pain over the outside of the shoulder

• Pain referral into the outside of the upper arm

• Problems with over head activities

• Problems with lifting weight

• Inability to lie on the affected side

 

Rotator cuff injury can be caused from a specific incident such as over-straining at the gym, a fall onto an outstretched hand or repetitive strain with work such as a butcher making repetitive cuts.

 

Most rotator cuff injuries are amenable with physiotherapy. Some cases such as full thickness tears and severe impingement syndromes require surgery.

 

Rehabilitation involves settling inflammation and pain with appropriate medications, restoring full movement, normalizing scapula movement, strengthening the rotator cuff and then returning to sport and work in a controlled manner.

 

All Physica staff have received additional training in the management of rotator cuff injuries. We will assess your condition and devise an appropriate rehabilitation program to facilitate a speedy return to work and sport.