The rotator cuff is a group of strong, ropelike fibers (tendons) and muscles in the shoulder . Rotator cuff disorders occur when tissues in the shoulder get irritated or damaged. Rotator cuff disorders include: Inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis) or of a bursa (bursitis). In the shoulder, a bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that serves as a cushion between the tendons and the bones.

Normal wear and tear. Using your shoulder for many years slowly damages the rotator cuff. As you age, everyday activities can lead to changes in the rotator cuff, such as thinning and fraying of the tendons and decreased blood supply. Overuse. Activities in which you use your arms above your head a lot-such as tennis, swimming, or house painting-can lead to rotator cuff problems. Even normal motions made often over a long period can stress or injure the rotator cuff.

To diagnose a rotator cuff disorder, doctors ask about any shoulder injuries or past shoulder pain. They also do a physical exam to see how well the shoulder works and to find painful areas or activities. Moving your arm in certain ways can help a doctor learn about the condition of the rotator cuff. You may have an X-ray to check the bones of the shoulder. If the diagnosis is still unclear, the doctor may order an imaging test, such as an MRI or an ultrasound.

Rotator cuff tears can result from a traumatic event. However, they generally occur as part of the aging process of the collagen in the tendons about the shoulder.

Naming the injured part would require an examination by a trained specialist.. not possible over the net IMO...

The main symptom is pain, especially pain that prevents you from sleeping or wakes you from sleeping at night. Other symptoms are general weakness and inability to use the shoulder, especially in the overhead position. Rotator cuff tears do not heal on their own. However, symptoms of pain can decrease and the function of the shoulder can improve with physical therapy such that surgery may not be necessary.

The first treatment option is a smart course of physical therapy to maintain motion in the shoulder and work towards increasing the strength power and endurance of the rotator cuff muscles. If this conservative management with a strong emphasis on a home exercise program, does not decrease pain and increase function, then surgical alternatives are often considered.

Rotator cuff surgery is primarily done by arthroscopy, through a few small incisions. All damaged rotator cuff structures can be identified and repaired with specialized instruments and highly engineered sewing techniques that reattach the torn tendon(s) back to the humerus.

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Rotator cuff disorders are caused by a combination of factors. Normally, the rotator cuff moves within a confined space called the subacromial space. Also within that space is a small sac of fluid (subacromial bursa), which serves as a cushion between the tendons and bone. When the subacromial space becomes smaller due to inflammation, bone spurs, or fluid buildup, the rotator cuff tendons may be squeezed and rub against bone (impingement).

Excessive wear on the rotator cuff can lead to severe irritation, roughening, and eventually ulceration and tearing of the cuff. An irritated rotator cuff is felt as a clicking or popping in the shoulder from a ragged piece of the cuff sliding under the shoulder bone, and arm weakness. Occasionally, injuries or infections can all lead to arthritis, although arthritis of the shoulder is less common than in the knee or hip.

Maintain flexibility by stretching the shoulders, especially before engaging in a strenuous activity like tennis. Use shoulders wisely. Activities such as hammering, throwing a softball, or lifting a heavy weight overhead can put tremendous strain on the shoulder and rotator cuff. Don't do more than you're accustomed to doing.

The rotator cuff consists of four tendons, each of which is part of a shoulder muscle. If one or more of those tendons is damaged, that muscle cannot move the arm like it is supposed to. If it's torn, the muscle can't do its job at all. A damaged or torn rotator cuff causes several problems:

The rotator cuff is a band of muscles that surround the joint formed by the upper arm bone or humerus that connects to the shoulder blade or scapula. The rotator cuff is stiff enough to hold the joint together, but is also flexible enough to allow the arm to reach and lift. Rotator cuff injuries are common among baseball pitchers, tennis players and other athletes who frequently exert an overhand throwing or swinging motion.

The rotator cuff, like all tendons, receives little blood. All bodily tissues need blood to heal. Parts of the body that have a better blood supply heal faster that those with a poor supply of blood.

Many people experience weakness, pain, swelling, and/or stiffness in the shoulder long before the rotator cuff actually tears. That's because, while some rotator cuff tears happen suddenly as a result of a fall or injury, most develop gradually, as a result of wear-and-tear on the rotator cuff.If these early warning signs are heeded, physical therapy and other treatments may be able to resolve the problem without surgery.

The shoulder is a joint with three main bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), the collarbone (clavicle), and the shoulder blade (scapula). The bones are held together by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The rotator cuff keeps the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket and lets you raise and twist your arm. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball at the top the upper arm bone fits into the socket of the shoulder blade.

Normally a person with a torn rotator cuff will feel pain over the top and outer side of the shoulder. The pain may radiate down your arm. This is more obvious when you raise or extend your arm, or when you lower your arm to the side after you have moved your shoulder backward and raised your arm. Simple tasks like getting dressed can be painful. Sleeping may be difficult because the pain wakes you up at night. Your shoulder may also feel weak. Sometimes there is a "popping" sound when you move.

HFL's pamphlets have had a very positive reaction from the NET. Their ads are in IRONMAN as well as various other Magazines. 30-day money back refund. The 7-minute Rotator Cuff Solution- Various exercises and diagrams showing how the shoulder and the rotator cuff work and how to strengthen them. They're the ones that suggest staying away from Upright Rows and Pullovers. $14.95 Legendary Abs- Discusses their approach to working abs and gives a very good program. There's also Legendary Abs II.