The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that wrap around to form a “cuff” over the upper end of the arm at the shoulder. The rotator cuff helps guide the shoulder through many motions by allowing lift and rotation to the arm while stabilizing the ball of the shoulder within the socket. The space over the top of the rotator cuff is occupied by a bursa which is a fluid sac between the tendon and the acromion bone. The bursae is responsible for providing a cushion within the joint which helps reduce friction between the gliding muscles and bones. When this bursa becomes inflamed, known as bursitis, it can cause pain.
Symptoms
Swelling
Inflammation
Pain
Combing your hair or getting dressed may be difficult
Causes
Repetitive lifting
Overhead activities
Increased stress on the bursa
Inflammation
Risk Factors
Traumatic Event where there’s a direct hit to the shoulder
Infection to the Bursa
Repetitive overhead Sports or Jobs
Diagnosis
Physician will examine your shoulder and gather your medical history and symptoms.
X-ray
Treatment
Non-Operative
Rest
Reduction in overhead activities
Anti-inflammatory medications
Corticosteroid injections
Physical Therapy
Surgical
Subacromial Decompression
