As we age, the tissue quality of the [no-glossary]tendon[/no-glossary]s weakens, making them more likely to tear. That's why [no-glossary]rotator cuff[/no-glossary] tears are seen in older patients.

Repeated lifting or sports activities that require overhead movements also can cause a torn rotator cuff. Rotator cuffs may also tear when you fall on an outstretched hand or collide hard with something.

Sometimes arthritis can be associated with a torn rotator cuff (rotator cuff arthropathy). This happens when a rotator cuff has been torn for a long time and the shoulder has not been working properly.