Rotator Cuff tears Types and common symptoms by Dr Sanjiv

Ready to smash that serve without shoulder pain?  As an orthopedic surgeon, I see a lot of racquet players with these top 3 rotator cuff issues:
1. Ouchy Tendons (Tendinopathy): Think of this as your shoulder tendons getting angry from repetitive swings and overhead action. It’s like a nagging ache from overuse.
Common Presentations:
* That Dull Burn: A persistent ache in the front or side of your shoulder that flares up after playing or even during.
* Overhead Struggle: Pain that kicks in when you’re serving, hitting an overhead, or reaching for a high shot.
2. Rotator Cuff Tears: Sometimes a sudden powerful swing or repetitive stress can cause a tendon to partially or fully tear.
Common Presentations:
* Sudden Sharpness: You might feel a sudden, intense pain during a swing, sometimes with immediate weakness.
* Weak Serve: Difficulty getting power or control on your serve, or pain when trying to bring your arm up.
3. Shoulder Pinch (Impingement): When you lift your arm, those rotator cuff tendons can get squeezed by the surrounding bones. Imagine your tendons getting briefly trapped!
Common Presentations:
* The “Painful Arc”: You might feel pain specifically as you lift your arm to the side, especially around shoulder height.
* Night Pains: That annoying shoulder pain that keeps you up at night, especially if you roll onto that side.
Don’t let shoulder pain sideline your game! Early diagnosis and the right care can get you back on the court stronger. Listen to your body and get it checked if something feels off!

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