Your rotator cuff is what keeps your upper arm locked into your shoulder, as well as allowing for the rotating movements of your upper arm. Your upper arm is held into the socket of your shoulder by a group of muscles and tendons that can be potentially injured. This can happen from old age, working jobs that require a lot of overhead movements, or a single injury to your rotator cuff. If you have experienced a single traumatic injury to your rotator cuff you should seek a doctor immediately.
Some of the signs you may have a rotator cuff injury are:
- A dull ache deep in the shoulder
- Disturbed sleep
- Finding it difficult to comb your hair or reach behind your back
- Some of these symptoms may be accompanied by arm weakness
The treatments for a torn rotator cuff can vary from surgery, to letting it rest with an ice pack. Many doctors recommend physical therapy as a first course of action unless a diagnosis dictates another course of action. Depending on the nature of the tear to your rotator cuff you may be asked to rest the shoulder to allow it to heal, however you do not want to let it rest for too long or you will risk the tendons freezing up and hindering movement from your shoulder. A physical therapist will be able to help you find the correct treatment for your injury.