Rotator cuff syndrome in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is the rotator cuff?

It is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder and keep it stable when moving the arm. Rotator cuff syndrome includes tendinopathy (overload and inflammation), impingement and partial or full tears of these tendons.

What symptoms does it cause?

Pain on the outer shoulder when raising the arm or reaching behind, night pain when lying on that side and, with tears, weakness lifting the arm. It is common after age 40 and in people who work or play sports with their arms overhead.

How is it treated?

Most people improve with physical therapy focused on strengthening the cuff and shoulder blade muscles, pain relievers and activity adjustments. An injection can help progress through rehabilitation. Arthroscopic surgery is considered for traumatic tears in active people or when pain and weakness persist despite treatment.

Which specialist should you see?

A shoulder orthopedist for diagnosis with ultrasound or MRI, a physiatrist for non-surgical care and a physical therapist for rehabilitation.

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