Rotator Cuff injuries:
Injuries to the rotator cuff are common since this group of muscles is under a great deal of stress. This group is the active stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint and the responsible of steering the head movement against the glenoid. The high demands on the cuff make it more susceptible for injuries.
Rotator cuff injuries can be seen in ordinary people and in athletes. It could be a result of poor lifting technique, after a fall either on the shoulder or on outstretched hand or due to overuse either in sports or in Activities of Daily Living.
Injuries range from partial tear to full tear of the cuff tendons. Complete tears are treated surgically.
However partial tears produce pain and they interfere with sleep ( mainly in the acute phase) when the patient tries to sleep on the affected side. This grade of injury is managed conservatively with physiotherapy.