Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that work together to provide the shoulder (Glenohumeral) joint with stability, helping to control the joint during movement. The rotator cuff muscles include, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis.

Any movement of the shoulder in excess for example, swimming, bowling in cricket, tennis can put the rotator cuff under stress causing tears/strains of the tendons/ muscles and inflammation of the joint structures and / or frozen shoulder.

Tear

This normally happens as a result of a sudden, powerful movement. This might include falling over onto an outstretched hand at speed, or following a powerful throw, rapid movement with a weight.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden, tearing feeling in the shoulder, followed by severe pain through the arm
• Limited or no movement of the shoulder due to pain or muscle spasm
• Severe pain for a few days