Shoulder pain complaints are rising as repetitive motions and poor posture become more prevalent. Among the leading causes are rotator cuff tears, a condition affecting homemakers who frequently strain their shoulders and athletes in sports like baseball or badminton that require extensive shoulder rotation. Overuse significantly elevates the risk of such tears. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, 2.446 million patients sought treatment for shoulder disorders in 2023, with 60.4% aged 50 to 60.
A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of the four tendons surrounding the shoulder—supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, or teres minor—are torn or completely ruptured. These muscles are essential for shoulder joint movement and stability, preventing dislocation. Most tears result from age-related degeneration of the rotator cuff. Tears are categorized as partial, affecting only a portion of the tendon, or full-thickness, involving the entire tendon layer.
Once primarily seen in middle-aged and older adults due to aging or trauma from accidents or falls, rotator cuff tears are now increasingly common among younger individuals due to sports-related injuries. Symptoms include shoulder stiffness or crepitus, often mistaken for adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder. The two differ significantly: rotator cuff tears restrict only active motion, whereas frozen shoulder limits both active and passive motion.
The primary symptoms of rotator cuff tears are shoulder pain and limited range of motion. Early on, patients may mistake the discomfort for simple muscle soreness, but untreated tears can worsen, hindering recovery. Degenerative tears often begin subtly, with minimal symptoms. As the tear progresses, mild pain emerges, escalating to severe discomfort during movements such as raising or lowering the arm at specific angles. Crepitus may be present, and maintaining an outstretched or raised arm for more than 10 seconds can become challenging, suggesting a possible tear.
Treatment varies based on the patient’s age, tear severity, symptom intensity, and overall health. For mild or partial tears, nonsurgical approaches are typically prioritized, including medication, physical therapy, and exercise therapy. Steroid injections may be used to alleviate inflammation and pain. Tailored rehabilitation exercises are critical for restoring joint flexibility and stability. Tendinitis often responds to rest, medication, injections, or shoulder strengthening exercises. Partial tears with mild symptoms generally improve with conservative treatments, but severe cases may require arthroscopic suture repair. Full-thickness tears are more complex, with arthroscopic anatomical suture repair being the preferred method.
Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for maintaining long-term shoulder function. Persistent shoulder pain or difficulty raising the arm should prompt a medical evaluation rather than being dismissed as minor muscle strain. Prevention is equally crucial. Regular shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises enhance tendon flexibility and support, while thorough warm-ups before activities that stress the shoulder can reduce injury risk.
Neglecting exercise, stretching, or proper posture heightens the risk of rotator cuff tears and other conditions. Stretching, in particular, improves joint flexibility and muscle strength, lowering the likelihood of injury during sports. Adequate stretching before physical activity provides a simple yet effective preventive measure.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
