Rotator cuff tear factors contribute to degenerative, or chronic, rotator cuff tears of which repetitive stress is the most significant. This stress consists of repeating the same shoulder motions frequently, such as overhead throwing, rowing, and weightlifting. Many jobs that require frequent shoulder movement such as lifting and overhead movements also contribute. Another factor in older populations is impairment of blood supply. With age, circulation to the rotator cuff tendons decreases, impairing natural ability to repair, ultimately leading to, or contributing to, tears. The final common factor is impingement syndrome, the most common non-sports related injury and which occurs when the tendons of
Rotator cuff a rotator cuff tear can include rest, ice, physical therapy, and/or surgery. A published review of 14 trials involving 829 patients found that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate whether surgery is any better than non-surgical options. A review of manual therapy and exercise treatments found inconclusive evidence as to whether these treatments were any better than placebo, however ""High quality evidence from one trial suggested that manual therapy and exercise improved function only slightly more than placebo at 22 weeks, was little or no different to placebo in terms of other patient-important outcomes (e.g. overall pain), and was associated