A rotator cuff injury can make lifting, reaching and rotating your arm painful or difficult. For workers who regularly lift objects, perform repetitive overhead movements or rely on shoulder strength, continuing to work through the pain may place additional strain on already damaged tissue.
An ignored rotator cuff injury can worsen over time rather than simply resolving on its own. When the injury is connected to your job, getting appropriate medical attention may also be important when pursuing California workers’ compensation benefits.
A small tear can become more serious
Rotator cuff injuries can begin with inflammation, tendon irritation or minor tearing. Continued shoulder use may cause existing damage to progress, particularly when the same movements that contributed to the injury remain part of your job.
As a tear becomes larger, you may experience increasing pain, weakness and difficulty controlling normal shoulder movement.
Shoulder muscles can become weaker
A damaged rotator cuff can eventually affect the surrounding muscles. Reduced shoulder use may contribute to muscle weakness and wasting over time.
Changes within the muscle tissue can also make an advanced rotator cuff injury more difficult to treat. Early evaluation can help determine the extent of the injury before further deterioration occurs.
Limited movement can cause lasting stiffness
Pain may cause you to avoid moving the injured shoulder. Although limiting painful movement can feel protective, prolonged loss of movement can contribute to substantial stiffness.
Some people develop frozen shoulder, which can severely restrict movement and take considerable time to improve. This limitation may interfere with both work duties and ordinary activities at home.
Daily activities can become harder
Ignored rotator cuff injury complications can extend beyond the workplace. Getting dressed, reaching overhead, lifting household items and sleeping comfortably may become increasingly difficult. Persistent weakness may also affect your ability to perform the physical duties required by your job.
If work caused or aggravated your shoulder injury, consider reporting your symptoms and obtaining medical evaluation promptly. You may also want to seek legal guidance to understand how California workers’ compensation may apply to your injury, treatment and work limitations.
