Example of Physical Therapy on a Rotator Cuff

Rotator cuffs can be injured in three different ways. It could be an (a) chronic tear, (b) an acute tear, or (c) tendinitis. Chronic tears are most times found in a persons dominant arm, and is more commonly found in men 40 years or older. If it is a chronic tear it will seem noticeably worse at night and will prevent you from sleeping soundly. Also, if the pain gets worse, your shoulder will get weaker and weaker, and will get to the point where you can barely lift you arm up to the side.

If it was in acute tear you would feel a sudden tearing sensation followed by a severe pain shooting through your arm. Acute tears are normally small tears hurt because the muscle is bleeding and having spasms. The larger the tear is the harder it will be to lift you arm up, however it can be done with assistance.

Tendinitis is normally the early stage to a chronic tear. Most people get them between the ages 35-50. At the beginnnig it will feel like you have a deep pain in your shoulder, that will gradually get worse if not taking care of. If the tendinitis does get worse, that is how it turns into a chronic tear.