The rotator cuff is comprised of muscles and tendons that keep your arm inside your shoulder socket and, as the name implies, helps rotate the arm. Because of the complex anatomy and actions of the rotator cuff, injuries to this area are common, especially among athletes and workers who use their arms overhead. It is commonly injured in falls or other high energy trauma with the likelihood of a tear increasing as you age. In general, if you are over the age of 35 and have had an acute injury with a significant change in your shoulder function your rotator cuff may be injured.
Gradual increasing weakness and aching pain that radiates to the mid portion of your upper arm can also be a sign of rotator cuff injury. Some people with rotator cuff tears experience catching or locking, or a feeling that the arm “slips” when trying to lower it from an overhead position. If you are having these symptoms you may want to consider an evaluation by an orthopedist.