What Is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

A rotator cuff injury is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. It affects a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint and allow smooth arm movement.

The 4 Muscles of the Rotator Cuff

Supraspinatus – helps lift your arm
Infraspinatus – allows external rotation
Teres minor – supports rotation and stability
Subscapularis – enables internal rotation

Common Types of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Tendinitis – inflammation from overuse
Bursitis – swelling in the shoulder
Impingement – tendon gets pinched
Tears – partial or full tendon damage

Symptoms

Shoulder pain (especially at night)
Weakness in the arm
Difficulty lifting or reaching
Clicking or popping sounds
Limited range of motion

Causes & Risk Factors

Repetitive overhead activities
Aging and wear-and-tear
Sudden injuries (falls/accidents)
Poor posture

Treatment Options

Non-surgical: neuromuscular therapy, ice packs, exercises
Surgical: for severe or complete tears

Recovery Time

Mild: 2–6 weeks
Moderate: 6–12 weeks
Severe: 3–6 months or more

When to See a Doctor

Pain lasts weeks
Cannot lift arm
Severe weakness
Pain affects sleep

Final Note

Don’t ignore shoulder pain, early treatment helps prevent long-term damage.

At Balm of Gilead, we specialize in non-surgical treatments like neuromuscular therapy to help you recover faster.

Book a session today and start your recovery journey.