The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, and therefore also one of the most complex. Most of this mobility is provided by the rotator cuff, a group of four tendons and muscles that work together to lift and rotate the arm, while also maintaining the joint’s stability. Find out how to identify rotator cuff pathology, what causes this condition and how to treat it.
What is rotator cuff pathology?
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that ensure the shoulder’s stability and movement. Over time, repetitive movements, intense exertion or minor accumulated injuries can wear these tendons down, cause inflammation or even tears. When this occurs, it is called rotator cuff pathology. This condition ranges from mild inflammation to serious injuries that restrict mobility and shoulder strength.
What are the symptoms of rotator cuff pathology?
The signs of rotator cuff pathology usually appear progressively and can affect both the comfort and function of the shoulder in everyday life.
- Shoulder pain. This is the most common symptom. It occurs mostly at night or when the arm is raised, and can spread to the upper arm.
- Difficulty performing simple movements. Commonplace tasks like brushing one’s hair, putting on a sweater or buttoning a shirt can become painful or restricted.
- Feeling of weakness. The arm may feel “weak”, making it hard to perform tasks that were once automatic, such as picking up objects or lifting weights.
- Loss of mobility. Stiffness and pain eventually restrict the shoulder’s movement, gradually affecting the range and quality of motion.
Who can be affected?
Rotator cuff pathology doesn’t choose age, but it is more common in people over the age of 40, when tendons naturally begin to lose their elasticity. The condition often results from years of accumulated small exertions, such as lifting loads, working at a computer with poor posture or always sleeping on the same shoulder.
Among the most vulnerable are people who perform repetitive overhead movements. This is the case with painters, hairstylists or athletes in sports like swimming, tennis and volleyball. Continuous strain and micro-injuries to the tendons end up compromising the shoulder’s structure.
But it doesn’t always take a specific profession or intense sport for this condition to occur. A simple fall, sudden movement or miscalculated effort can be enough to cause inflammation or tearing.
Habits such as smoking and a chronically poor diet can also lead to faster degeneration of the rotator cuff.
Therefore, this is a condition that can affect both those who lead active lives and those who spend most of their day performing seemingly harmless tasks. The important thing is to pay attention to the warning signs and avoid ignoring minor pain that becomes persistent.
How is rotator cuff pathology diagnosed?
Identifying rotator cuff pathology requires careful assessment, as many of the symptoms can be confused with other shoulder conditions.
Clinica l assessment
The orthopaedic specialist begins by talking to the patient to understand how the pain began, when it appears and what movements aggravate it. Next, specific tests are performed to assess the shoulder’s strength, mobility and stability, to identify the tendons that may be compromised.
Imaging exams
When an injury is suspected, it’s essential to perform complementary exams. Ultrasound may reveal inflammations or small tears, while magnetic resonance imaging provides a more detailed view of the internal structures, to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the damage.
And the treatment?
Treatment for rotator cuff pathology depends on the severity of the injury, as well as each person’s age and level of activity. The goal is always to relieve pain, recover mobility and restore shoulder strength, whether through conservative therapies or, in some cases, surgery.
Conservative treatment
In most situations, treatment begins with non-surgical methods. Physiotherapy is crucial to re-educate and strengthen the muscles responsible for shoulder mobility and improve joint stability. Anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers are also prescribed to control pain and, in some cases, injections may be administered to reduce swelling and allow the patient to move their shoulder more comfortably.
This type of approach can be especially effective when the injury is partial or the condition is in the early stages. Regular follow-up is key to adjust the treatment and prevent relapses.
Surgical treatment
When the condition involves total tears, extensive injuries or lack of improvement, after several weeks of conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended. This procedure is often performed arthroscopically (a minimally invasive technique), repairing the shoulder’s tendons and restoring function.
Post-operative care requires physiotherapy and a progressive rehabilitation plan, which are essential to recover strength and range of motion.
How to prevent rotator cuff pathology
Preventing rotator cuff injuries means taking care of your shoulder on a daily basis, especially when performing repetitive movements or intense physical activities. Minor precautions can make a major difference.
Muscle strengthening
Specific exercises for the shoulder and scapula muscles help protect the tendons, improving balance and shoulder stability, and reducing the risk of injuries. Including light strengthening exercises in your routine, even at home, can prevent future problems.
Stretching and mobility
Maintaining flexibility is as important as building strength. Stretching regularly helps maintain tendons’ elasticity and range of motion, reducing the strain on the rotator cuff’s structures.
Taking care with repetitive strain
Activities that require arms to be raised repeatedly, such as painting, swimming or manual work, should include regular breaks and use the correct technique. Changing posture or dividing the workload reduces progressive degeneration.
Paying attention to the body’s signs
Persistent pain or discomfort should not be ignored. Seek a medical assessment in advance to intervene before the injury becomes more serious and makes recovery more difficult.
