Rotator Cuff Tear

A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury involving damage to one or more of the four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. These muscles—supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—work together to enable smooth arm movement and maintain joint stability. Tears can occur due to acute trauma, such as a fall or lifting heavy objects, or develop gradually from repetitive overhead activities and age-related degeneration.

Symptoms typically include shoulder pain, especially at night, weakness while lifting or rotating the arm, limited range of motion, and a crackling sensation during movement. Athletes, manual laborers, and older adults are at higher risk. Diagnosis is usually made through physical examination and imaging techniques like MRI or ultrasound.

Treatment depends on the severity of the tear. Mild cases may improve with rest, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, while severe or complete tears may require surgical repair. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to prevent further damage and restore shoulder function. Rehabilitation plays a vital role in recovery, focusing on strengthening and flexibility exercises.