Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears and Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can be caused by a variety of conditions, one of which is a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and allowing for a wide range of motion. When one or more of these tendons become damaged or torn, it can lead to significant discomfort and functional limitations. The Anatomy of the Rotator Cuff To better understand rotator cuff tears and their relationship to shoulder pain, it's essential to grasp the anatomy of the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff comprises four muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles originate from the scapula (shoulder blade) and attach to the head of the humerus (upper arm bone). Together, they form a cuff around the humeral head, stabilizing the shoulder joint and facilitating arm movements. Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears Rotator cuff tears can be classified into two main categories: t...