A rotator cuff injury is a tear or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder. Rotator cuff injury is known by several names, including pitcher ' s shoulder, swimmer ' s shoulder, and tennis shoulder.

Basic Info

Symptoms

Some areas of the rotator cuff tendons have poor blood supply. Thus, the tissue is very slow to heal and maintain its...

Causes

Some areas of the rotator cuff tendons have poor blood supply. Thus, the tissue is very slow to heal and maintain its...

Tests

Diagnosis is usually made after a physical examination, often by a sports medicine physician. X rays are also sometim...

Treatments

The primary treatment is resting the shoulder and, for minor tears and inflammation, applying ice packs. Anti-inflamm...

Drugs

Alternative Therapies

There are no effective alternative medicine treatments for rotator cuff injuries.

Risk Factors

swimming
Heavy Lifting
repetitive arm activities

Complications

The prognosis for recovery from minor rotator cuff injuries is excellent. For serious injuries, the prognosis is usua...

Prevention

The best prevention is to avoid repetitive overhead arm movements and to develop shoulder strength.

Doctor Specialties

Basic Info

In Depth

Basic Anatomy

Know Your Neck: The Cervical Spine

Anatomy of a Normal Spine

Parts of a Hand

Broken Bones

Diagnosis & Treatment

Casts, Crutches & Canes

Facial Fracture

Facts About Osteoporosis

Preventing Osteoporosis: Avoiding Bone Loss

Preventing Osteoporosis: Staying Active

Osteoporosis: Screening for Bone Loss

Understanding Osteoarthritis

How to Prevent Osteoarthritis

Ways to Reduce the Impact of Osteoarthritis

Understanding Your Osteoarthritis Medication

About Joint Replacement

Shoulders

Hips

Knees

Understanding Joint Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy: Conditions Treated

Elbow Arthroscopy: Conditions Treated

Caring for the Back & Spine

Basic Back Care

Back Safety

Back Conditions

Care of the Shoulders and Extremities

Shoulders

Arms, Hands and Wrists

Feet and Ankles

Sports Injuries

Sprains & Strains

Preventing Sports Injuries

Preventing Injuries at Work

Ergonomics

Prevention & Exercise

Goodies

Basic Anatomy

Broken Bones

Facts about Osteoporosis

Test Your IQ

Back Care Quiz

Aging Quiz

Osteoporosis Quiz

More Resources

Interactive Tools

In Depth

Multimedia

News

Injury name a low blow to sports d...

Tigers sink to last place in Centr...

Be your own E.R. doctor

Articles

Rotator Cuff Injury

Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries

HealthMaps

Rotator Cuff Injury

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Health Experts

Overhead Lifting, Reaching, and T...

Is Your Drinking Hurting Your Nec...

Tools

Shoulder Quiz