Rotator Cuff Tear

Overview

Rotator cuff injury is a strain or tear of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is made up of four separate tendons that fuse together to surround the shoulder joint.

Causes of a rotator cuff injury include:

direct blow to the shoulder area
falling on an outstretched arm
repetitive overhead motion of the arm such as in swimming, baseball (mainly pitching), and tennis

Risk factors that increase your chance of getting a rotator cuff tear include:

age: 40 or older
heavy lifting
activities that involve repetitive overhead arm motion
weakened shoulder muscles from inactivity

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