Repetitive actions, stress, and inevitable deterioration all contribute to a rotator cuff injury. And when it’s injured, it can be painful and debilitating. That is why it is important that you know what can cause such injuries and why a rotator cuff repair is vital.
The rotator cuff is a quartet of muscles and tendons. These work together to keep your shoulder stable while allowing proper motion in the upper arm. And rotator cuff injuries are common in athletes yet it can also happen to those doing repetitive movements. And these injuries can be caused by a number of factors. To give you an idea, here are some of the reasons why you could tear your rotator cuff.
Traumatic Injury or Accident
Acute trauma to the rotator cuff can be the major cause of an injury. This can be due to a fall or a severe blow to the shoulder. It can be a direct strike during a fall while you are on your outstretched arm. It can also be caused by a strong pull on the arm which can tear or strain the rotator cuff’s tendons or muscles.
Repetitive Use and Overuse
The rotator cuff muscles and tendons can become easily strained when engaging in overhead activities. It can be activities or sports like pitching or having to lift large objects repeatedly. And this constant strain can cause swelling, tears, and faster deterioration of your rotator cuff. Athletes are at higher risk of such injuries, especially those involved in baseball, tennis, and swimming.
Age-Related Degeneration
As you age your body ages too. And one that is greatly affected is the bones, muscles, and tendons. And the degeneration and weakness of the rotator cuff tendons are common for aging individuals. Injuries to the rotator cuff can happen even with minimal stress or strain because of the natural deterioration caused by tendinopathy.
Poor Posture
Rotator cuff problems can also be caused by constant poor posture. Since your body is not in good posture, it can result in an overuse injury to the tendons and muscles of the rotator cuff. Poor posture can result in your shoulder joint being out of alignment. Those who tend to slouch and hunch their shoulders are putting too much pressure on their rotator cuffs when they move. And this can cause injury in the long run.
The Importance of Surgery for Rotator Cuff Injury
Surgery for a rotator cuff injury is crucial to fully restore the shoulder’s function. It can alleviate severe pain and prevent long-term complications. The injury can help repair torn tendons and muscles. This way healing and rehabilitation will be quicker. After the surgery, the person can regain mobility and bring their quality of life back.
