Shoulder pain and rotator cuff disorders
Rotator cuff disorders
Rotator cuff disorder is another common cause for shoulder pain.
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles in the shoulder, connecting the upper arm to the shoulder blade as mentioned above. The rotator cuff tendons provide stability to the shoulder; the muscles allow the shoulder to rotate. The rotator cuff keeps the joint in the correct position, allowing it to move in a controlled way. Rotator cuff disorders occur when these tendons and muscles get irritated or damaged. The disorders include inflammation of the tendons or bursa, impingement (a tendon is squeezed and rubs against bone), calcium building up and tears of the tendons. The most common causes are 1) normal wear and tear. Rotator cuff is damaged due to years of using the shoulder and changes in the rotator cuff, for instance thinning and wearing of the tendons and reduced blood supply. 2) overuse. Activities involved in using rotator cuff a lot such as tennis, swimming or painting or using over a prolonged period can stress or injure the rotator cuff. 3) rotator cuff injury. Too much over head lifting or throwing sports etc can injure rotator cuff.
The symptoms include pain and weakness in the shoulder and it is worse during the activities when the arm is above shoulder level – for example, when brushing the hair; when the arm is moving away from the body; pain is in the front and side of the shoulder.
Rotator cuff disorder is another common cause for shoulder pain.
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles in the shoulder, connecting the upper arm to the shoulder blade as mentioned above. The rotator cuff tendons provide stability to the shoulder; the muscles allow the shoulder to rotate. The rotator cuff keeps the joint in the correct position, allowing it to move in a controlled way. Rotator cuff disorders occur when these tendons and muscles get irritated or damaged. The disorders include inflammation of the tendons or bursa, impingement (a tendon is squeezed and rubs against bone), calcium building up and tears of the tendons. The most common causes are 1) normal wear and tear. Rotator cuff is damaged due to years of using the shoulder and changes in the rotator cuff, for instance thinning and wearing of the tendons and reduced blood supply. 2) overuse. Activities involved in using rotator cuff a lot such as tennis, swimming or painting or using over a prolonged period can stress or injure the rotator cuff. 3) rotator cuff injury. Too much over head lifting or throwing sports etc can injure rotator cuff.
The symptoms include pain and weakness in the shoulder and it is worse during the activities when the arm is above shoulder level – for example, when brushing the hair; when the arm is moving away from the body; pain is in the front and side of the shoulder.
Acupuncture is very effective to release shoulder pain.
