Any person can fall victim to a rotator cuff injury, but the likelihood of a rotator cuff injury occurring increases in those people who constantly move their arms and shoulders in overhead motions. This could be a requirement of their job, through a hobby or due to their lifestyle. Examples include professional tennis players, individuals who regularly play racket sports as a hobby, or those who need to stretch above their heads in their line of work such as painters and decorators, builders, carpenters or laborers.
The risk of falling victim to a rotator cuff injury also increases with age, therefore, older individuals who have to reach above their heads on a regular basis are significantly more at risk of this form of injury.
It is possible, however, to also be at risk of a rotator cuff injury based on your family history. A genetic weakness of the rotator cuff or a family history of issues relating to rotator cuff injuries can increase the likelihood of the next generation experiencing the same issues within a family line.