Rotator Cuff Injury Causes & Risks

Causes

Causes of a rotator cuff injury include:

Direct blow to the shoulder area
Falling on an outstretched arm
Chronic degenerative wear and tear on the tendons
- Arthritis may decrease the space for the tendons
- Chronic instability of the humerus may traumatize the tendons
Repetitive overhead motion of the arm such as in:
- Swimming
- Baseball (mainly pitching)
- Tennis

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for a rotator cuff injury include:

Age: 40 or older
Heavy lifting
Activities that involve repetitive overhead arm motion
Weakened shoulder muscles from inactivity

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.