Explaining the Rotator Cuff and Its Injuries

The rotator cuff is an anatomical word that describes the muscles and tendon in the shoulder that keeps your arm attached to the rest of your body. Just from that description, you can guess it's very important which means it's also frequently injured. In 2006, out of about 7.5 million people who went to their doctor for shoulder problems, 4 million were rotator cuff issues.  

Problems can range from acute one such as from playing sports or chronic such as doing a repetitive activity over years that cause wear and tear. If you are consistently doing a lot of overhead lifting or reaching, you can be at risk for developing rotator cuff injuries. Those in construction jobs are more over represented and typically you will see these developments with age. Symptoms would include a dull ache in the shoulder, decrease ability to reach overhead or behind your back, arm weakness, and discomfort. If you are experiencing these symptoms you should see your doctor and see if stem cell therapy is an option for you.  

As with anything, prevention is key. If you feel like you are at risk for shoulder injuries, then strengthening that area of your body might help prevent future problems. You can do exercises such as wall push-ups and shoulder presses to help strengthen the muscles around your shoulder. Consulting with an orthopedic surgeon or a physical therapist would be beneficial for more guided instruction.  

Our family at Florida Stem Cell wishes you and your loved ones good health. If you are interested in learning more about stem cells, sign up for a seminar and browse other articles on our website!