The Rotator Cuff is a group of muscles in the shoulder that help stabilize the shoulder during movement and help us rotate the shoulder.  People that experience a Rotator Cuff Injury will notice pain in the back of the shoulder to the front of the shoulder as well as a decrease in range of motion and weakness of the shoulder.  There are many degrees of injury to the rotator cuff, some being strain to the muscles, or tendonitis, and there is the possibility of a tear to the rotator cuff muscles.  Rotator Cuff Injuries occur in people that work overhead with their arms, Laborers, Weightlifters, Pitchers, Swimmers, but can happen to anyone.

Symptoms of rotator cuff injuries are pain in the back of the shoulder to the front of the shoulder.  This pain can be aching, sharp, and radiating down the arm.  Some will notice a lack of strength in the shoulder as well as a decrease in range of motion with pain on movement.  This will lead to lack of activity in movement in the shoulder which stiffens the area as well.  If left untreated a minor rotator cuff injury can become worse leading to a tear.  And a tear that is left untreated can lead to a labrum injury as well as a possibility of frozen shoulder.

The best course of action for this injury is to seek professional help.  A professional will be able to evaluate, diagnose, and build a treatment plan for the injury as well as the individual.  A proper treatment plan for this injury should include manual therapy to help decrease irritations to the soft tissue in and around the injury as well as joint mobilization/manipulation of the joints around the injury to decrease pain and improve mobility and function.  Stability and strength exercises should be implemented to improve support of the structures as well as build functional strength to decrease risk of further and future injury.  And finally, we should be able to implement a self-care program that will help the individual learn how to manage this injury on their own.