Have you been experiencing pain or weakness in your shoulder muscles? Do you notice a sharp pain every time you try to brush your hair or reach backward? If you are currently struggling with this localized discomfort and the pain isn’t subsiding, you may be suffering from a rotator cuff injury.
Although a rotator cuff injury is not a serious condition, it does require prompt medical attention and proper care. You may even want to try and work through the pain, but this can actually lead to a worsening of the injury and result in long-term damage. However, before we get into treatment protocol, let’s first understand what a rotator cuff injury is and the accompanying symptoms.
The rotator cuff is the collection of muscles and tendons that encompass the shoulder joint, and its primary function is to keep the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket. An injury to the rotator cuff can range from a tear resulting from an injury to deterioration of the muscles and tendons due to arthritis.
Rotator cuff injuries are very common, especially among those who repeatedly extend and stretch their shoulders, such as basketball players, swimmers, and construction workers. This repetitive motion puts strain on the rotator cuff muscles, leading to tears or strains, substantial pain and limited range of motion.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include shoulder discomfort, arm weakness, and an inability to move your arms above or behind your head. If not properly treated, complications can include permanent loss of motion and rapid degeneration of the shoulder joint.
A rotator cuff injury is typically diagnosed by a medical professional during a physical examination. Usually, manual manipulation of the shoulder joint results in discomfort and indicates an injury to the rotator cuff.
However, a variety of imaging tests are also used to further confirm the diagnosis. An X-ray is typically used first to rule out bone spurs or arthritis as the cause of the pain. An ultrasound or MRI, which can clearly visualize soft tissue and muscle structure, will allow the medical professional to spot any tears in the rotator cuff tendons.
Once diagnosed, treatment typically consists of rest and ice. However, if these fail to provide relief, steroid injections may be considered to further reduce inflammation. However, these injections can lead to further complications down the line, as steroids will weaken tendons over time.
Surgery is also an option and is typically reserved for last resort cases. If the injury is extensive or if other avenues of treatment have not worked, then your medical professional may recommend surgery to repair the injury.
If you have been suffering from a rotator cuff injury but are unwilling to receive any injections or go in for surgery, physical therapy has demonstrated great success. This holistic approach to treatment will not only provide pain relief but also yield long-term benefits.
Physiotherapy is a treatment that aims to restore and maintain a patient’s mobility. Through various exercises and joint manipulation, a physiotherapist will isolate the discomfort and work with you to restore your range of motion.
For rotator cuff injuries, a physiotherapist would use a range of exercises and stretches to address the issue. All of these exercises focus on strengthening the shoulder muscles and reducing inflammation around the injury.
Additionally, your physiotherapist might address your rotator cuff injury by massaging your shoulder and upper back. This is a way to relax injured muscles and tendons to promote healing.
If you’ve been suffering from a rotator cuff injury but are ready to start working with a trained physiotherapist, then it might be time to visit Emerald Hills & Sports Physio Clinic. Located in Sherwood Park, AB, our team of physiotherapists is ready to work with you to relieve your pain and restore your full range of motion.
Call us at (587) 855-4831 or visit our website and fill out our contact form today!
