The rotator cuff is a series of four small muscles that surrounds the shoulder. Over the course of time, it is easy for an individual to tear or damage one or more of the muscles even if there has not been any dramatic event that caused the injury. Once one or more of the muscles have been torn, there are exercises that can be done in the course of physical therapy that can help with mobility, strength and contending with pain. If they don't help, surgery is an option, but it should be the last option.