The rotator cuff is a part of the shoulder, comprising several muscles and their surrounding tendons whose job is primarily to stabilize the entire shoulder area by ensuring the head of the humerus remains entrenched on the area known as the glenoid fossa. In laymen’s terms, the efficiency of the deltoid muscle is entirely reliant on the rotator cuff.

Athletes, weightlifters and those inclined towards activities with repetitive movements of the shoulders can be prone to problems with the rotator cuff. Either a single incident or constant use of the cuff over a prolonged period can be responsible for a tear in its tendons, causing pain and restrictions in the movement of the shoulder as a complete entity and in the arm also.

Procedure information
Arthroscopic surgery is considered the preferred technique for repairing a damaged rotator cuff and is a fairly non-invasive procedure involving the insertion of a camera into the shoulder area through a small incision. Once the surgeon has a clear view of the inner workings of the shoulder, he/she can proceed to take steps to correct abnormalities.

The tightening procedure involves reattaching the part of the muscle that has become detached from the bone through a tear or lesion. The surgeon must first trim the acromion bone and remove the coracoacromial ligament before attending to the tear with stitches and possibly screws, depending on its seriousness.

Recovery time
Patients invariably take up to 4 weeks to make a complete recovery from the procedure, during which time they are obliged to rest the treated area and avoid any activity likely to incur its usage. Following the recovery period, it may be necessary to undergo rehabilitation which involves exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and increase its range of movement.

Individuals seeking to continue forms of exercise or activity that involve any significant use of the cuff are advised to practice regular strengthening exercises, which can be done easily at home with a low weight dumbbell.