
31 Aug Physiotherapy and Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround and stabilize the shoulder joint, to keep the head of the humerus (upper arm) within the shallow socket of the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries range from mild to severe and falls under the following categories:
- Tendinitis is an injury caused by rotator cuff overuse which causes it to become inflamed.
- Bursitis is caused by inflammation of the bursa
- Rotator cuff strains or tears are caused by overuse or an acute injury, where the tendons that connect the bones to the muscles are overstretched (strain) or tear partially or completely.
Symptoms
- Disturbed sleep
- Nocturnal pain when lying on the affected shoulder
- Progressive weakness with rotating or lifting the arm
- Difficulty reaching behind the back
- Crepitus or cracking sensations with certain shoulder movements
- Restricted/ limited shoulder movements
- Tenderness or pain with overhead activities
Risk Factors
- Age: 40 + due to wear and tear with ageing process
- Repetitive lifting
- Work that require frequent and repetitive overhead activities
- Athletes: tennis players, baseball pitchers, carpenters, painters
- Traumatic injury ie. fall
Causes
- Acute Tear ie. Fall onto an outstretched arm, or heavy lifting
- Degenerative Tear due to:
- Repetitive stress
- Lack of blood supply
- Bone spurs
Assessment:
Your physiotherapist will provide a correct diagnosis of your shoulder condition based on your clinical examination, symptom behaviour and history.
Treatment:
Physiotherapy should be considered as the first line of treatment to relieve your shoulder rotator cuff injuries and to assist with your recovery. A range of physiotherapy techniques will be used tailored to meet each individual need. These include: joint mobilisations, nerve and tendon gliding exercises, soft tissue massage, stretches and strengthening exercises, and postural retraining.
Contact us today
Get in touch with Edgewater Physiotherapy if you’re dealing with shoulder rotator cuff injuries. Our qualified team can provide a treatment plan to assist you with your recovery in no time. Contact us to find out more.