Rotator Cuff Injury Causes

• Chronic tear



• Found among people in occupations or sports requiring excessive overhead activity (examples: painters, baseball pitchers)



• Variations in the shoulder structure causing narrowing under the outer edge of the collarbone



• Acute tear



• Sudden powerful raising of the arm against resistance, often in an attempt to cushion a fall (examples: heavy lifting, a fall on the shoulder)



• Injury usually associated with a significant amount of force if person is younger than 30 years



• Tendinitis



• Degeneration (wearing out) of the muscles with age



• Repetitive trauma to the muscle by everyday movement of the shoulder