SHOULDER PAIN: ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES

Ecrit par Melis

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that attaches the shoulder joint through their tendons, and it gives a great stability to the shoulder as well as it assists you to rotate and raise your arm. Any damage on these muscles results in malfunctioning, pain, weakness, and instability around the shoulder.

Rotator cuff injuries are very common, and aging increases the risk of developing it. There are several reasons behind this problem such as sudden traumatic injuries, repetitive overhead motions, and carrying heavy objects over a prolonged period. Many people experience pain at night and at rest as well as when lifting and rotating the arm accompanied with weakness. This causes limitations in daily activities such as getting dressed, combing hair, and reaching behind the back.

In a large majority of patients, rotator cuff injuries are treated through nonsurgical treatment which may include resting, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, steroid injections, and activity modification. However, in more severe cases, surgical treatment could be necessary depending on the size of tears.

It is critical to include physiotherapy early in the treatment plan to prevent complication and surgery. This process can be overcome with a combination of manual therapy, cupping, dry needling, stretching and strengthening exercises performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist. With a well-designed program, pain is brought under control, shoulder stabilization is increased, and shoulder mobility is improved.

In addition to physiotherapy, there are also other things that you can do, for example:

• Try to avoid rotating and lifting your arm over your head that could cause more pain.
• To keep the muscles in an optimal position, watch your posture all the time, keep your shoulder blade back and your neck long.
• To reduce the pain, you can take non-steroid anti-inflammatory painkillers.
• To reduce the tension, use a hot pack around your shoulder and neck.
• Do your exercises regularly.

Overall, Rotator cuff injuries can be debilitating and painful. However, it can be managed well with a right physiotherapy program.

If you are suffering from shoulder pain, do not hesitate to contact with us! Our well-trained physiotherapists are here to help you!

Resources:
References
Physiotherapy for rotator cuff tears. Cornerstone Physiotherapy. (2021, February 24). Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://cornerstonephysio.com/resources/physiotherapy-for-rotator-cuff-tears/
Rotator cuff tears – orthoinfo – aaos. OrthoInfo. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/rotator-cuff-tears/
Physitrack. (2019). Rotator Cuff Injuries.