Rotator Cuff Injury

A rotator cuff injury is caused by damage (tearing, overstretching or a rupture) to one or more of the four rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder. These injuries are common in sports or other activities that require throwing or similar motions e.g. racquet sports. The role of these muscles is to rotate the arm at the shoulder joint and to provide a supportive cuff around the joint. Typical symptoms are a sudden pain at the instant the injury is sustained, sometimes accompanied by a tearing feeling. The pain will tend to worsen over time and be accompanied by a feeling of weakness at the shoulder causing the individual to be unable to raise the arm to shoulder level. Taping or the use of an orthopedic shoulder support can stabilize the injured muscle and allow it to heal. Kinesiology taping can also help by allowing lymphatic fluids to flow freely through the injury site and therefore facilitate the body’s natural healing functions. Please seek advice from your doctor in the choice of a product to treat your injury.