6Rotator Cuff Injuries
A rotator cuff injury is characterized by four rotator cuff muscles that are important to moving the shoulder. Although these four rotator cuffs might not be the big muscles, involve in carrying heavy objects, but they are crucial to moving the shoulder normally. The rotator cuff injury is divided into three major types namely: tendonitis, rotator cuff tear, and bursitis. A rotator cuff tear as earlier explained occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff separate from the bone while bursitis and tendonitis refer to inflammation the bursa ( a fluid-filled space) and tendons (which connect your shoulder muscles to upper arm bone).
The inflammation can be caused by either general wear and tear that occurs with age or activities that needs regular or repetitive shoulder motion (especially above shoulder level such as swimmy or painting). It is sometimes also caused by heavy lifting or trauma. Major rotator cuff injury and untreated inflammation of the tendons may lead to rotator cuff to tear. Rotator cuff injury pain is typically felt at the front or on the outside of the shoulder, particularly when you raise your arm or lift something above your head. [5]
