Rotator Cuff Injuries

Fremont Physiatrist for Sports Injuries

The rotator cuff is a set of muscles that supports and stabilizes the shoulder joint. Your shoulder joint functions as a ball and socket. The rotator cuff keeps the upper arm bone within the shoulder socket.

The four muscles that form the rotator joint are the:

• Supraspinatus
• Teres minor
• Subscapularis
• Infraspinatus

There are additional muscles that also serve to stabilize the shoulder joint, including the deltoid and teres major. Rotator cuff injuries are often sustained by athletes who perform frequent motions such as pitching in baseball. Other causes may include an acute injury or as a byproduct of aging.

What Are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Some rotator cuff injury symptoms include pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder. Over time, fluid accumulation may further inhibit movement. Arthritis and calcium deposits can also affect your shoulder. A physiatrist can help assess your injury—whether the tear is a complete “full thickness” tear or a partial tear. Corticosteroid injections may help a full thickness tear heal, while moderating activity and combining physical therapy and medications may be sufficient for incomplete tears. See a Fremont physiatrist at Washington Township Medical Foundation for more information about rotator cuff injuries.