Factors influencing RC Injury

• Factors influencing rotator cuff injuries (RCRSP) pt1

  • aging - ages over 50 can increase risk of tears - 35% are symptomatic, so most are asymptomatic
  • vascular changes in the tendon e.g. parts of the rotator cuff have limited blood flow compared to more proximal and distal parts of the tendon, so theres area that are vulnerable to overloading and tearing, therefore a lower capacity of recovery
  • genetics: bone/tendon morphology
• Factors influencing rotator cuff injuries (RCRSP) pt2

  • metabolic syndrome/related changes can cause changes to the quality of the soft tissue. Someone thats deconditioned and has a poor diet, they may be vulnerable to lower level loading and this can increase the likelihood of them getting injured
  • obesity
  • smoking
  • alcohol
  • loading alterations - dominance - repetitive high load can be relevant to the pain they're experiencing
  • occupation and sports with high loading rate
  • unloading
• Affects of attrition/aging on rotator cuff structure:

  • chronicity over time
  • poor muscle control
  • weakness
  • presence of pain, could lead to inhibition, leading to a cycle of further loss of muscle control
  • there could be thickening, scarring or inflamed structures
  • acromio-humeral space can be reduced
  • tendons may become more vulnerable to being compressed or squashed, leading to a cycle of overloading of the tendons
  • postural control & scapula control - not clear how this can contribute to the development of symptoms