Rotator Cuff Injury

Question 1

What is a rotator cuff injury?

Answer 1

Tear/sprain/strain or inflammation of the rotator cuff muscles or tendons in the shoulder.

Question 2

What are the aspects of the rotator cuff ?

Answer 2

• Subscapularis
• Supraspinatus
• Infraspinatus
• Teres Minor

Question 3

What are the types of rotator cuff injuries?

Answer 3

• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the rotator cuff due to overuse and stress to the shoulders doing weight-bearing activities
• Bursitis: Irritation or inflammation of the bursa between shoulder joint and rotator cuff tendon.
• Strain/tear: Arm cannot move freely without feeling pain –Sprain: Stretched or torn ligaments caused by an extreme bend or twist

Question 4

What are symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?

Answer 4

• Pain or soreness in the shoulder, especially when reaching overhead, behind the backing, lifting, pulling or sleeping on injured side.
• Weakness or loss of strength.
• Loss or decrease with range of motion.
• Tendency to keep shoulder inactive.

Question 5

What is the impact of rotator cuff injury on occupational performance?

Answer 5

• Limited joint mobility may influence individual’s ability to participate in daily activities, affect one’s role performance
• Muscle strength and endurance are affected as a result of immobilisation of a joint during recovery
• Sharp or continuous pain overwhelming, influences ability to work/carry out roles
• Inability to perform tasks taken for granted impair self concept and motivation

Question 6

What is the role of an OT with addressing rotator cuff injuries?

Answer 6

• Addresses each client’s priorities, along with activity modifications, compensatory techniques to facilitate performing at highest level of independence
• Therapeutic activities/exercise
• Orthosis design, fitting
• Joint protection
• Sensory re education
• Scar/pain management
• Work conditioning
• Training in ADLs and assistive devices
• Education post surgery