PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The rotator cuff is made of four separate tendons that help move the arms. While they are quite strong, these tendons can degenerate as a person gets older and can be torn by wear and tear, as well as traumatic injuries like a car accident or a fall.
Baseball players, especially those who throw a great deal like pitchers, are very vulnerable.
For most people, the chances of a rotator cuff tear increase around the age of 40. Other risk factors include being male, smoking cigarettes and having diabetes.
There is good news, though. While we often hear about athletes having surgery for rotator cuff tears, in many cases, physical therapy is the preferred option.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
