Shoulder pain that makes it hard to reach overhead, sleep on your side, or simply get dressed often comes back to the rotator cuff. At The Spine and Wellness Center in Coral Springs, Dr. Jared Cohen, DC helps patients from Coral Springs and Parkland understand what is happening in the shoulder and recover with conservative, non-surgical care whenever possible.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jared Cohen, DC · Updated June 2026

What is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that wrap around the top of the upper arm bone and hold it snugly in the shoulder socket. This cuff is what lets you lift, rotate and stabilize your arm through a remarkable range of motion.

Because the shoulder trades stability for mobility, the rotator cuff works hard and is vulnerable to wear and injury. When any part of it is irritated, torn or pinched, the whole shoulder can become painful and weak.

Common rotator cuff injuries

Shoulder pain from the rotator cuff usually falls into a few overlapping categories. Knowing which one you are dealing with guides the right care.

• Tendinitis: inflammation of the cuff tendons from overuse or repetitive overhead motion
• Impingement: the tendons get pinched against bone when you raise your arm
• Bursitis: irritation of the fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder
• Partial or full tears: from acute injury or gradual degeneration over time

Symptoms to watch for

Rotator cuff problems share a recognizable set of complaints, and they often build gradually rather than appearing all at once.

• A dull ache deep in the shoulder
• Pain when lifting or rotating the arm, especially overhead
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
• Weakness when reaching, lifting or reaching behind your back
• A catching or grinding sensation with certain movements

What causes rotator cuff pain?

Repetitive overhead activity is a leading cause, which is why painters, swimmers, tennis players and anyone who works with their arms raised are prone to it. The tendons fray and inflame from doing the same motion thousands of times.

Age plays a role too, as tendon tissue naturally weakens over the years and the space the tendons pass through can narrow. Acute injuries, such as a fall onto an outstretched arm or lifting something too heavy, can also strain or tear the cuff suddenly. Poor posture and shoulder mechanics quietly set the stage for many of these problems.

How we care for shoulder pain in Coral Springs

Most rotator cuff injuries respond to a conservative, drug-free plan, and surgery is reserved for the minority of cases that do not improve. We begin with a careful exam to pinpoint the source and gauge severity. Our rotator cuff treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring pain-free motion and rebuilding the strength and stability the shoulder needs.

Because the shoulder works together with the neck and upper back, we often include chiropractic care to address joint restrictions that throw off shoulder mechanics. Guided physical therapy then strengthens the cuff and surrounding muscles so the gains hold. We help shoulder patients throughout Coral Springs, Parkland, Margate and Deerfield Beach get back to full function.

Exercises and self-care

Once the sharp pain settles, gentle strengthening and mobility work are essential to recovery and to preventing the injury from coming back. Many patients find steady, guided exercise far more effective than rest alone.

• Gentle pendulum swings to keep the shoulder moving early on
• Light resistance-band external rotations to strengthen the cuff
• Scapular squeezes to improve shoulder-blade control
• Avoiding repetitive overhead activity until pain settles
• Applying ice after activity to manage inflammation

When to seek help

Mild soreness after activity may settle with rest, but shoulder pain that lasts more than a week, disrupts your sleep, or comes with noticeable weakness deserves evaluation. Sudden, severe pain or inability to lift the arm after an injury should be checked promptly, as it can signal a significant tear.

Dr. Cohen has helped Coral Springs and Parkland patients recover from shoulder injuries since 2005, with same-day appointments and most major insurance accepted. Call (954) 341-2256 to have your shoulder evaluated.