(Ivanhoe Newswire) – Most people who experience a rotator cuff tear – an injury to a tendon in the shoulder – probably believe they did something to cause it.

According to University of Utah investigators, maybe it’s really just a gift from mom or dad. Their research finds people with a family history of rotator cuff tears are significantly more likely to experience one themselves.

“While we have not determined the exact genetic component,” study author Robert Z. Tashjian, M.D., was quoted as saying, “our family history data supports that heredity plays a role in the development of rotator cuff tearing.”

Learning more about the genetic component of this condition could significantly improve the outlook for people predisposed to develop it. For example, if you realize you are at risk you can take greater precautions when exercising or doing other things that might strain the tendon. Doctors can also help by prescribing shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises aimed at making your shoulder stronger and less likely to suffer an injury.

Rotator cuff tears are most common in people in their 50s and 60s. In this study, even people who had only third cousins who had experienced a tear were more likely to have one themselves.

The researchers based their findings on health information from two large Utah databases.

SOURCE: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, published online May 1, 2009