Key facts about your shoulder
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that form a “cuff” around the shoulder joint, keeping the ball of the upper arm bone firmly in the socket and allowing controlled lifting and rotation of the arm. When one of these tendons is partially or completely torn, the shoulder often becomes painful and weaker, so everyday movements such as hanging clothes, lifting a bag or reaching behind your back can feel difficult or sometimes impossible. Pain is usually felt on the outside of the shoulder, may travel down the upper arm and often becomes worse at night, especially when you lie on the affected side.
Diagnosis is based on your medical history, a physical examination and, when needed, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI to assess the size and type of the tear. In many cases, especially for smaller or degenerative tears, the first line of treatment is non-surgical, combining activity modification, medication when prescribed by the doctor and a structured physiotherapy programme aiming to reduce pain, restore movement and strengthen the muscles that stabilize the shoulder.
