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Shoulder

Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket. Rotator cuff injuries are common in people who perform repetitive overhead motions.

⏱️
Typical Recovery Time
4-6 weeks for minor injuries; 4-6 months post-surgery

🔍 Symptoms

  • Dull ache deep in the shoulder
  • Pain when reaching behind your back
  • Weakness in the arm
  • Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
  • Crackling sensation with movement

⚡ Common Causes

  • Repetitive overhead activities
  • Heavy lifting
  • Falling on an outstretched arm
  • Age-related degeneration
  • Bone spurs

💊 Treatment Options

1Rest and activity modification
2Ice and anti-inflammatory medication
3Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
4Corticosteroid injections
5Surgery for complete tears

🚨 When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if shoulder pain persists more than a few weeks, or if you have sudden severe pain or weakness after an injury.

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