Injury of muscle(s) and tendon(s) of the rotator cuff of shoulder
A rotator cuff injury is damage to the group of muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder joint in place and help you move.
Connect with verified specialists experienced in managing conditions related to Injury & Poisoning.
Find General PhysiciansClinical Overview
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that relies on a group of four muscles and their tendons, which are the tough, cord-like tissues that attach muscle to bone, called the rotator cuff. These tissues work together to keep the head of your upper arm bone securely inside the shallow socket of your shoulder blade.
When these tissues get torn, stretched, or inflamed—which is called irritation or swelling—it becomes difficult to lift your arm or rotate it properly. This injury can happen suddenly from a hard fall or over a long period from repetitive motions, causing pain and weakness in your shoulder area.
Common Symptoms
- A dull, aching pain deep inside your shoulder.
- Difficulty lifting your arm above your head or reaching behind your back.
- Weakness in the arm, making it hard to lift objects.
- Pain that often gets worse at night, especially when lying on the affected side.