Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff are a deep group of shoulder muscles. They consist of the supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus and teres minor muscles. The tendons of these muscles envelope the shoulder like a 'cuff' and contribute to its dynamic stability.

Minor damage to the rotator cuff tendons with associated bursitis can lead to a symptom called shoulder impingement. This may be initially treated with a cortisone injection which can provide pain relief.

There are a range of shoulder slings available that may assist after a rotator cuff injury or operation. The ProCare Shoulder Immobilizer is used in hospitals across Australia and the DonJoy UltraSling III is often used by our elite athletes.

Stephanie Rice had a shoulder arthroscopy in September 2010 which demonstrated subacromial bursitis although her rotator cuff tendons were normal.