Rotator cuff injuryA rotator cuff injury can give rise to shoulder pain, loss of the full range of motion, a weak shoulder or arm and pain when using the shoulder.
The rotator cuff is formed by the tendons and muscles of the shoulder that connect the upper arm to the shoulder. The rotator cuff helps to hold the upper arm bone firmly in the shoulder socket while it moves and rotates. A rotator cuff injury can range from irritation of the muscles and tendons through to major damage or tears to the tendons and muscles.
An injury to the rotator cuff can be caused by repetitive actions over a period of time or a sudden strain to the muscles or tendons. That can be by an unaccustomed burst of effort or by a reaction or ‘jump’.
Treatment can be by anti-inflammatory drugs taken orally or by injection, steroids injected into the joint (a painful treatment in itself) or by a course of physiotherapy.
Separated shoulder
A separated shoulder occurs when there is a tear or stretched ligaments where the shoulder blade meets the clavicle in the acromioclavicular joint. Ice and pain relievers usually heal the shoulder and should take only two weeks to heal.
Symptoms of the separated shoulder are pain, arm weakness, swelling or bruising, limited range of motion and a bump on the shoulder.