What is Rotator Cuff Tear?
Updated January 24, 2026
An injury to one or more of the four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, causing pain and limited range of motion.
Understanding Rotator Cuff Tear
Tears can be partial or complete and may result from acute injury or gradual degeneration. Symptoms include pain when lifting or lowering the arm, weakness, and crackling sensation. Treatment ranges from physical therapy to surgical repair.
Examples
- 1Shoulder injury from fall onto outstretched arm
- 2Tear from violent jerking motion in accident
- 3Work-related repetitive stress injury to shoulder
Related Terms
Whiplash
A neck injury caused by a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head, commonly occurring in rear-end car accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A disruption in normal brain function caused by a bump, blow, jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury, ranging from mild concussions to severe permanent damage.
Concussion
A mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head that temporarily affects brain function, causing symptoms like headache, confusion, and memory problems.
Soft Tissue Injury
Damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other connective tissues, often caused by trauma, overuse, or sudden movements like those in car accidents.
Herniated Disc
A spinal injury where the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
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