Overview

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their associated tendons that stabilize the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury can range from inflammation and tendinitis to partial or complete tears of the tendons.

Causes

Repetitive motion: Common in athletes (especially baseball players, swimmers, and tennis players) and occupations involving overhead movements.

• Trauma: Such as a fall on an outstretched arm.
• Degeneration: Wear and tear associated with aging.

Symptoms

• Pain at rest and at night, particularly if lying on the affected shoulder.
• Pain when lifting or lowering the arm or with specific movements.
• Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm.
• A crackling sensation (crepitus) when moving the shoulder in certain positions.