We enjoy all the perks our joints give us, but we don’t often stop to think about how they operate and what happens when they become damaged. The rotator cuff is one of these joints that is prone to injury, so we need to take care of it and be mindful of any potential damage. It’s important because it provides us many luxuries we use in our everyday activities, from being able to twist our arm and even raise it.
Rotator cuff disease isn’t exactly a condition we hear about every day, so unless you’ve suffered damage to your shoulder in the past, you’ve likely never heard of your rotator cuff, let alone a rotator cuff disorder. To help get a better understanding of what this entails, here’s an indepth look at everything from the signs and symptoms to the many different treatment options…
What is a Rotator Cuff Disorder?
According to MyHealth.Alberta.ca, the rotator cuff is located in the shoulder and made up of tough, yet flexible fibres (also known as tendons), as well as muscle. A rotator cuff disorder occurs when the tissues in the shoulder become irritated or damage. This can happen from everyday wear and tear or injury.
There are four main disorders that can occur to the rotator cuff. The first is inflammation of the tendons. This condition is known as tendinitis. You can also experience inflammation of a bursa (bursitis). A bursa is located in the shoulder. It’s a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between the tendons and the bones.
Another disorder that can occur is impingement which occurs when a tendon is squeezed and rubs against the bone. You could also have calcium buildup in the tendons, resulting in the painful condition called calcific tendinitis. And lastly, you could have a partial or complete tear of the rotator cuff tendons, explains the source.