The small muscles or tendons of your shoulder can be torn through trauma or as we age resulting in a small, moderate or large tear. Indications of having a rotator cuff tear is having shoulder pain along with upper arm pain, weakness when lifting your arm and an audio click/crack when moving your arm. Additional symptoms are pain when lying on the affected shoulder, pain when reaching behind your back, pain during activity and better at rest.

Rotator cuff tears are rare in young people and more commonly seen in people 40 years old or older.

The rotator cuff is a set of four muscles that surround the ball and socket of the shoulder. Their role is to assist in smooth controlled movement of the shoulder for example when throwing a ball, brushing your hair or put your seat belt on.

If you have experienced a traumatic injury or age-related muscle or tendon tear a physiotherapist will be able to discuss your management options. Physiotherapists are well placed to refer on for orthopaedic opinion. Evidence supports strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder improves symptoms, function and movement that can take 3-12months.

If you would like more information on rotator cuff injury, or to book an appointment please call +44 747 473 0285.