{"id":7113,"date":"2021-11-03T08:34:55","date_gmt":"2021-11-03T12:34:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agrability\/?p=7113"},"modified":"2021-11-03T08:34:55","modified_gmt":"2021-11-03T12:34:55","slug":"fishermen-and-rotator-cuff-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agrability\/2021\/11\/03\/fishermen-and-rotator-cuff-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"Fishermen and Rotator Cuff Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Michaela Marden, Masters Occupational Therapist Student, USM
\nAlso published by Commercial Fisheries News November 2021<\/em><\/p>\n

FishAbility: Fishermen and Rotator Cuff Injuries<\/h3>\n

Shoulder and back injuries are commonly reported by fishermen. The movement of a boat on rough seas and inclement weather conditions can increase risk of a traumatic injury, and more specifically to the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a series of muscles in the shoulder that form a cuff of tissue around the humerus bone in the shoulder joint. A tear may be suspected if you are experiencing general shoulder pain, weakness, and\/or loss of range of motion, especially with overhead movement or external, extended rotation.\u00a0 The strenuous and repetitive motions of hauling lobster buoys, turning oyster bags, and lifting crates are examples of ways a fisherman\u2019s rotator cuff could be injured or begin to degenerate.<\/p>\n

There are two main causes of rotator cuff tears: injury and degeneration. An injury to the rotator cuff may happen suddenly when falling on an outstretched hand, or it may develop over time due to repetitive activities. Rotator cuff tears may also happen due to aging, with degeneration of the tissues.<\/p>\n

Symptoms can vary, so if a tear is suspected, a comprehensive assessment should be performed by your primary care provider.\u00a0 A general rule to help prevent injuries like rotator cuff tears is to work smarter, not harder. Some ways of doing this are:<\/p>\n