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- MedlinePlus: Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Cleveland Clinic: Diseases and Conditions: Rotator Cuff Tears: Surgery and Exercise
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It's Hard to Raise My Arm for Shoulder Exercises
The rotator cuff consists of a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint 2. You may experience pain and difficulties in raising and rotating your arm with tendon injuries. Injuries to rotator cuff tendons can develop through wear and tear, an impact to the shoulder, or by swinging your arm repeatedly in an upward motion. Untreated injuries can lead to frozen shoulder, causing constant pain and an increased limit in range of motion.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Rotator Cuff Muscles and Tendons
The rotator cuff consists of the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor 2. These muscles and corresponding tendons function to keep the shoulder joint stable and assist in arm rotation. Pain when raising your arm is a sign of Inflammation or injury to the rotator cuff. The supraspinatus tendon is most vulnerable to injury, because of its location. When inflamed, the supraspinatus is pinched between bones, resulting in chronic impingement syndrome. The tiny fluid filled sac, or bursa, supporting the supraspinatus tendon also can sustain damage, leading to bursitis. Tears to the tendon can develop if untreated.
- The rotator cuff consists of the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor 2.
- When inflamed, the supraspinatus is pinched between bones, resulting in chronic impingement syndrome.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Symptoms of a Pinched Tendon in the Rotator Cuff
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Lifting heavy objects, combing your hair, dressing and sleeping on the affected shoulder can trigger pain and soreness. Muscle weakness and consistent pain, with minimal arm movement, may indicate tearing and severe damage to rotator cuff ligaments. Bad posture, wear and tear and repetitive overhead movements, performed during sporting activities such as:
- tennis
- squash
- baseball pitching
- can cause rotator cuff injuries
- as can pulling heavy items
- or receiving a hard blow to the shoulder
Physical Therapy
Use ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain associated with rotator cuff injuries 2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and rest also is recommended. Cortisone injections are limited to a minimum of three to four shots each year to minimize these risks. Physical therapy can assist in the management of rotator cuff injuries, as it helps strengthen muscles, increase range of motion and prevent the development of frozen shoulder. Medication may be administered before physical therapy to reduce inflammation and decrease pain.
- Use ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain associated with rotator cuff injuries 2.
- Physical therapy can assist in the management of rotator cuff injuries, as it helps strengthen muscles, increase range of motion and prevent the development of frozen shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Surgery
Pain in the Left Arm After Exercise
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Supraspinatus tendon tears can occur through continual and extended friction against bone spurs. Surgery may be an option in such cases, followed by physical therapy, to further promote healing and rehabilitation.
Related Articles
References
- MedlinePlus: Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Cleveland Clinic: Diseases and Conditions: Rotator Cuff Tears: Surgery and Exercise
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Shoulder Impingement/Rotator Cuff Tendinitis. Updated February 2011.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Rotator cuff tears. Updated March 2017.
- Factor D, Dale B. Current concepts of rotator cuff tendinopathy. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2014;9(2):274-288.
- Rechardt M, Shiri R, Karppinen J, Jula A, Heliövaara M, Viikari-Juntura E. Lifestyle and metabolic factors in relation to shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendinitis: a population-based study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2010;11:165. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-11-165
- Omid R, Lee B. Tendon transfers for irreparable rotator cuff tears. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2013;21(8):492-501. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-21-08-492
- Applegate KA, Thiese MS, Merryweather AS, et al. Association Between Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Occup Environ Med. 2017;59(2):154-160. doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000000929
- Kuhn JE. Exercise in the treatment of rotator cuff impingement: a systematic review and a synthesized evidence-based rehabilitation protocol. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2009;18(1):138-160. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2008.06.004
- Schmidt CC, Jarrett CD, Brown BT. Management of Rotator Cuff Tears. J Hand Surg Am. 2015;40(2):399-408. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.06.122
Writer Bio
Eshe Asale is a holistic massage therapist who began writing in 1995 with articles appearing on various websites and in "Iqra" newspaper and the "Between Love, Hope and Fear" anthology. She holds a massage therapy certificate from Lourdes Institute, a Master of Arts in media studies/communications from Goldsmiths University and a Bachelor of Arts in writing and publishing/film studies from Middlesex University.