Sports Shoulder Injuries / The Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Tear
The combination of the muscles and ligaments in the shoulder is called the "rotator cuff." The rotator cuff is located under part of the shoulder blade and provides stability to the joint during movement. Rotator cuff injuries are fairly common. Causes of this injury may include falling, lifting and repetitive arm activities, especially those done overhead. A common tear in the rotator cuff is an acute tear. This tends to happen as a result of a sudden, powerful impact.
Symptoms may include pain and tenderness in the shoulder, especially when reaching overhead, behind the back or pulling and lifting items. The patient may also experience shoulder weakness and loss of shoulder range of motion. Symptoms may show up immediately or gradually, depending on the extent of the injury.