Rotator Cuff injuries have been a major problem for athletes and their careers. Athletes, especially baseball players, often have career ending possibilities if they happen to tear their rotator cuff. Pitchers and quarterbacks are the two types of athletes that usually have the most problem with their shoulders. They throw a ball with a lot of force and they throw overhand, putting a lot of pressure on the shoulder. In my paper I will talk about how rotator cuff injuries happen, what can be done if you tear your rotator cuff, and preventing a rotator cuff injury. Many athletes, especially college players, don't take enough precautions in preventing these injuries. Many athletes never do make it to the professional level because an injury like this occurs and they're never as good as they use to be.
The rotator cuff is a set of 4 muscles that motor the shoulder joint. These muscles originate from the shoulder blade (or scapula) and turn into fibrous tendons as they approach the outer aspect of the shoulder. These 4 tendons surround the front, top, and back of the shoulder joint. A lubricating tissue (or bursa) lies on the surface of the rotator cuff tendons. The tendons and bursa normally glide smoothly between the bone at the tip of the shoulder (called the acromion) and the top of the upper arm bone (the humerus.) When the rotator cuff muscles contract, they pull on the rotator cuff tendons, allowing the shoulder to move through the wide range of motion, which we enjoy during daily and recreational activities.
The first rotator cuff injury is rotator cuff tendonitis. To treat this type of injury the shoulder should be rested from the activities that caused the problem and from activities that caused the pain. Intermittent ice packs applied to the shoulder and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help reduce inflammation and pain. If the pain is starting to be the main problem physical therapy needs to be started immediately to strengthen the muscles of the rotator cuff.
