The rotator cuff is an important joint in your shoulder that helps control movement in your arm. It has the largest range of motion of any of the joints in your body, and can be injured due to traumatic force or through years of use. Dr. Kevin McIntyre of Burlington Sports Therapy helps explain rotator cuff tears and treatment. Here's an excerpt:

So you have a sore, painful shoulder and you've been told it's a rotator cuff tear. But what does that mean? How do you treat a torn rotator cuff muscle? How do you know if your rotator cuff is torn? Let's start with the basics…

What is a rotator cuff tear?

A rotator cuff tear is a very common injury affecting one (or more) of four different muscles in the shoulder. A tear can be partial or complete and can sometimes involve retraction of the tissue. Rotator cuff tears can be painful but they don't have to be. They can often be associated with a traumatic event…but they don't have to be! Rotator cuff tears can occur after years and years of use and are much more common in those people over 60.

Check out the full article and learn more about rotator cuff tears. Rotator cuff tears can severely impede your everyday living. If you've been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear, your doctor may recommend a shoulder brace for rotator cuff tears.