Alex Ram

We all use our shoulders all the time. They help us to rotate our arms, bend them backwards and forward and even rotate them in a circle. The main muscle group which is responsible for providing this wide range of motion is the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff comprises of four muscles namely the Subscapularis, Teres Minor, Infraspinatus and the Supraspinatus. These muscles help in keeping this joint which comprises of a ball and a socket in place. Many a times these muscles may get injured or strained due to overuse, fall, excess weight training and other such activities. This causes the tearing of the rotator cuff which is one of the most painful conditions. If left unchecked, the problem can result in an irreversible injury. Therefore recognizing torn rotator cuff symptoms is the best way to prevent further damage.If you experience pain on the top, back portion of your shoulder where these muscles are located, you've likely injured your rotator cuff. Pain that shoots down your arm or increases with movement is an even stronger indicator of such an injury. And pain that also persists even when you sleep due to pressure on the shoulder area pretty much confirms it. If the pain is severe enough that over the counter pain killers don't alleviate it, there is a higher probability that you've torn-rather than just injured or strained-your rotator cuff.If you have a rotator cuff injury, you may even feel that your arms are growing weaker. You may even face problems accomplishing everyday tasks like putting on your clothes or combing your hair. This is also one of the many classic torn rotator cuff symptoms.Sometimes you may even hear some 'popping' sounds while lifting or lowering your shoulder. These sounds may be an indication that your rotator cuff is injured. Grating or cracking sounds while moving your arm may also indicate a tear in the rotator cuff.The problem with many rotator cuff injuries is that they start out rather small as a negligible pain that goes unnoticed. Then it worsens with additional strain and overuse. Then, if you fall or sustain a different type of injury, you often feel the full force of the pain, weakening, and noises all at once. A torn rotator cuff can come on slowly or suddenly.As people age, they typically experience more trouble with rotator cuff injuries. Troubles build up over time and as a result of repeated or excessive use. Initially, symptoms are often ignored and then masked by taking pain pills to try to alleviate the symptoms. But the injury is still there.You want to treat a rotator cuff injury as soon as possible-before the damage can become more pronounced or even permanent. If home remedies and over the counter medications aren't relieving your shoulder pain, see your doctor. He can evaluate your shoulder for a potential torn rotator cuff and prescribe exercise, medications, or other appropriate treatments.Tom Nicholson has spent years helping carpal tunnel sufferers. Please click here to learn more regarding having asore wrist.