The rotator cuff (four muscles in total) is also the primary support structure for the shoulder. Therefore, even minor dysfunction associated with these muscles can create significant pain and disability including shoulder pain, arm weakness, and decreased athletic performance. When a rotator cuff injury becomes severe enough to irritate the many nerves that pass through the shoulder joint it is called a Rotator Cuff Impingement. The symptoms associated with an impingement are often more severe and can include numbness, tingling and sharp, shooting pain into the arm or hand.
A Rotator Cuff problem can be caused by many everyday activities. These activities include traumatic events (e.g. fall on an outstretched arm, “yanking” of the arm), repetitive motions (e.g. playing golf, throwing a ball, weightlifting, swimming) and chronic, improper postures (e.g. operating a computer, driving).