10 VITALITY Summer 2026 ROTATOR CUFF TEARS A real pain in the shoulder How and why tears happen You can tear your rotator cuff suddenly in an accident—like if you lift something too heavy or fall and land heavily on your outstretched arm. “People who repeat the same shoulder motion again and again, without proper mechanics, are more likely to develop a rotator cuff tear,” says Craig Morris, M.D., a board certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic and sports medicine physician with the CMH Orthopedic & Spine Center. “However, most rotator cuff tears develop slowly over time as the shoulder wears down with age. They are especially common in adults who are middle-aged or older.” Signs to watch for Rotator cuff tears that happen suddenly can cause intense pain. Tears that occur slowly over time can become progressively more painful. You may have a tear if you experience symptoms like these: ● Pain at rest and at night, especially if you’re lying on the injured shoulder. ● Pain when lifting and lowering your arm. ● Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm. ● A crackling sensation when you move your shoulder in certain ways. If you suspect a rotator cuff tear, see your primary care provider or visit the CMH Orthopedic & Spine Center Walk-In Clinic. It’s open Monday through Friday at 1155 W. Parkview St., Suite D, in Bolivar. Many tears can be effectively treated with nonsurgical methods, such as: ● Rest. ● Avoidance of certain activities. ● Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication. ● Physical therapy. ● Steroid injections. If nonsurgical treatment doesn’t work, your provider may recommend surgery to fix the tear. Additional sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; UpToDate The next time you reach up to brush your hair or grab something on a high shelf, say a silent thank-you to your rotator cuff. This hardworking part of your shoulder makes it possible for you to lift and rotate your arm. It consists of four muscles that join together as tendons. Sometimes these tendons can fray and cause a partial or complete tear of the rotator cuff. Call the CMH Orthopedic & Spine Center at 417-777-2663 to make an appointment.
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