5 Work Related Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Injuries You Need to Know About

As the shoulder joint is one of the most mobile and complex joints in the human body, it is also one of the most prone to injury. The rotator cuff and shoulder are particularly vulnerable to injury due to the wide range of motion they allow and the many muscles and tendons involved in their function. To help you manage these types of injuries, it’s best to be as informed as possible. To help you out, here are five of the most common rotator cuff and shoulder injuries that you should be aware of and how to manage them.

1. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

This is an inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, which can be caused by repetitive overhead motions or sudden trauma. Symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis include pain and tenderness in the shoulder, reduced range of motion, and weakness in the arm. The pain may worsen with overhead motions or when lying on the affected shoulder. Treatment for rotator cuff tendinitis includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy exercises may also be helpful. Surgery is rarely needed.

2. Bursitis

This is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the shoulder joint. It is usually caused by repetitive overhead motions or sudden trauma. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the shoulder and reduced range of motion. Treatment includes rest, anti- inflammatory medications, and physical therapy.

3. Shoulder Impingement

If you have pain and tenderness in your shoulder, along with reduced range of motion, you may have shoulder impingement syndrome. This is an inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, which can be caused by repetitive overhead motions or sudden trauma. Treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Physical therapy may involve exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the shoulder. If you have shoulder impingement syndrome, it is important to avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms. Once your symptoms improve, you can slowly start to increase your activity level. If your symptoms worsen, you should stop the activity and rest.

4. Frozen Shoulder

This is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes so stiff and painful that you cannot move it. It is caused by inflammation of the shoulder joint and can be caused by repetitive overhead motions or sudden trauma. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy.

5. Rotator Cuff Tear

This is a tear in one or more of the rotator cuff tendons, which can be caused by repetitive overhead motions or sudden trauma. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the shoulder, along with reduced range of motion. Treatment includes rest, ant i-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy, as well as possibly surgery.

Conclusion

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away and report it to your employer. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment plan for you. With proper care and treatment, most rotator cuff and shoulder injuries can be managed and your shoulder can make a full recovery.