Our shoulders are controlled by a comparatively less stable ball and socket joint that moves freely in many different directions. This makes the shoulders one of the most mobile joints in our body and there is a very wide range of movements possible. Apart from holding up the neck and head, the shoulders also control the movements of the arms and chest.

The ball and socket joint is a crucial one. It is made of the head of the humerus (the upper arm bone) fitting into the scapula (shoulder blade) and held in place by thick bands of cartilage. The entire joint is made mobile by the rotator cuff muscles which are dynamic stabilizers and also allow the joint to function in the right way.

Rotator Cuff Muscles 

The rotator cuff is a complex set of small muscles that works to keep the ball and socket joint functioning properly and ensure that it remains in place because it is not a very stable one. Rotator cuff tendons are hidden below the shoulder bone.  The rotator cuff system consists of four separate muscles that form a cuff around the ball end of the bone:

• Supraspinatus
• Infraspinatus
• Subscapularis
• Teres Minor

Apart from these, there are other muscles which also move and hold the joint. These include the deltoid, pectoralis major, teres major, etc.

Types of Injury

These muscles are vulnerable since they are used constantly; usually receive the maximum impact in accidents/falls and also because of the instability of the joint. When any one or more of the tendons are injured, there is inflammation, pain and immobility. Typical injuries include:

• Shoulder Bursitis
• Rotator Cuff Impingement
• Tendonitis
• Tears
• Stretching

What Causes Rotator Cuff Injury?

There are many causes for such injuries. The joint is protected by the covering or cuff of muscles and tendons and a lubricating sac separates the bones and muscles allowing smooth movement. However, any impact, jerk, stretching, fracture or damage to the bones, muscles, tendons or ligaments can cause the entire cuff to malfunction, causing pain, inflammation and immobility. Pain is usually the result of inflammation which causes swelling as the muscles are confined to the tiny space between the joints.  

Symptoms 

Each set of muscles has its own specific symptom, but in general, rotator cuff injury symptoms include:

• Arc of shoulder pain when the arm is raised
• Clicking sound when arms are moved
• Pain from top of shoulder to elbow
• Pain when lying on that particular side
• Shoulder pain while at rest
• Weakness or pain while lifting weights, twisting (as when wearing the seat belt) or reaching out
• Shoulder pain when raising arms behind the head

Treatment

Your doctor can diagnose rotator cuff injury from:

• Observation and examination
• Listening to your report and description
• Reviewing your past medical history
• Noting any unusual events such as accidents
• Taking X-rays and scans

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the treatment plan includes:

• Rest and ice-packs
• Sling
• Pain-relief medication (cortico-steroids)
• Over-the-counter medications
• Muscle relaxant/anti inflammatory medication
• Supervised physical therapy with specific types of exercises
• Ultra-sound therapy

If the problem is more severe, and non-responsive to conventional treatments, you may require extensive treatment that includes surgery, hospitalization and long-term physiotherapy. Generally these are the steps to be followed:

• Referral to orthopedist
• Surgical intervention
• All-athroscopic repair for very severe cases

How We Can Personal Injury Lawyer Assist You 

If your rotator cuff injury is directly linked to or caused by a car accident, apart from immediate medical attention, you also require legal advice to safeguard your rights and get compensation from those responsible for the accident. Our free consultation injury lawyers can get to work immediately.  This is very important as any delays can be counter-productive as there may be statute of limitations rules in place. Insurance companies who have to give the compensation would try their best to reduce it, hence they will aggressively contest your claims. They can prove that your rotator cuff injury is caused by nothing but normal wear and tear of the joint, completely unrelated to the accident. Our accident injury lawyers can provide you with a genuine and valid assessment of the merits of your case.

Our personal injury lawyers can assist you with the paperwork involved in filing a claim. Smart insurance companies may get victims to give recorded statements or unknowingly authorize the insurers to delve into past medical history that proves contrary to claims. Here, our car accident attorney can provide the right advice, establish the links between your injury and the accident, and ensure you get the maximum compensation.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333.