Symptoms

• The first signs of rotator cuff problems is weakness in the shoulder, pain when lifting the arm over the head or simply moving the arm forward to shake a hand. If severe enough, tears can develop in the tendons, which may limit your range of motion. If you experience pain while lying on the shoulder at night, this is a sign. With rotator cuff injuries, you may also feel sharp pains up and down the arm with motion.
  
  

Causes

• The biggest cause of tennis shoulder injuries is overuse and the repetitive motion of raising the arm overhead and the explosive motion of hitting the serve or overhead. If not properly warmed up, stretched out or not physically prepared for the task, this type of injury is possible. Not having the proper mechanics for the serve and overhead shot may in time cause tennis shoulder injuries. Overuse is the biggest culprit.
  
  

Treatment

• With the first signs of shoulder problems, rest, ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines will be most helpful. If the soreness and pain does not subside in a few days, a doctor's examination may be necessary; this may involve an injection of cortisone and an MRI. If the injury is severe enough and there are tears in the tendons, surgery may be needed to repair the damage.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Physical therapy with range-of-motion exercises using a resistive band will help to strengthen the tendons and muscles of the shoulder. Consult with a professional tennis instructor about the proper mechanics for the serve and overhead strokes. With proper maintenance, rest and strengthening exercises, you should be able to play pain-free.
  
  

Considerations

• There are many devices and gimmicks designed to help alleviate the pain and inflammation of shoulder injuries due to playing tennis. There are also many exercise techniques and many drugs. A sports medicine doctor or an orthopedic doctor should be consulted if you have any concerns or the pain does not go away.