What is a Rotatorcuff tear?
Learn more about shoulder pain
A rotator cuff tear refers to a tear in one or more of the four muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow for a wide range of motion.
These muscles are:
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Subscapularis
- Teres Minor
The rotator cuff is crucial for movements like lifting, rotating, and stabilizing the arm.
When there is a tear, it can impair these functions, leading to pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
A rotator cuff tear can result in:
- Pain: Often felt in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or during overhead activities. The pain may be sharp or dull and can worsen with certain motions.
- Weakness: The affected shoulder may feel weak or unstable, particularly during activities like lifting or reaching overhead
- Limited Range of Motion: People with a tear often struggle with lifting their arm fully, or rotating it, especially when trying to reach behind their back or above their head.
- Difficulty with Daily Activities: Tasks like combing hair, reaching for objects on high shelves, or carrying groceries may become challenging.
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