Rotator cuff injuries are very common. Left untreated, injuries to the rotator cuff can cause extreme shoulder pain and loss of motion, making it difficult to perform daily activities like getting dressed, washing your hairs, sleeping, and enjoying your favorite sports and hobbies.
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles attached to the bone with tendons. The rotator cuff holds your arm bone (humerus) in place and helps you lift and move your arm.
Unfortunately, over time the tendons can become worn due to normal wear and tear. This leaves the tendons vulnerable to painful and debilitating tears. However, the tendons are also vulnerable to sudden injuries, such as from a fall.
When a rotator cuff tears, the tendon separates from the humerus, either partially or entirely. In most cases, the affected tendon is the supraspinatus tendon, which covers the very top of the arm bone. However, any of the four tendons can be torn.
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Your rotator cuff can become aggravated or inflamed due to heavy lifting, trauma, poor mechanics, or repetitive arm movements. A rotator cuff tear happens when wounds to the muscles or tendons provoke tissue damage or disturbance. These tears often evolve due to long-term overuse of your shoulder or a traumatic injury. A torn rotator cuff can also be combined with irritation or injuries of the biceps tendon or labral tears
What Does a Torn Rotator Cuff Feel Like?
Rotator cuff tears can result in:
- Limited movement and pain that limits your ability to perform routine daily tasks
- A sense of heaviness or weakness in your arm
- Inability to lift your arm to reach upward
- Pain branching down the outside of your arm and top of your shoulder
- Inability to reach behind your back
- Loss of shoulder range of motion
You may be wondering if a rotator cuff can heal without surgery, or if a surgical repair is the only option. The answer depends on the extent of the injury, the pain you are experiencing, and your level of function. A very large or complete tear will frequently require rotator cuff surgery since the tendon cannot reattach to the bone on its own.
How is a Torn Rotator Cuff Diagnosed?
A health care specialist will perform a comprehensive examination that will include assessing your symptoms, evaluating the range of motion of your arm, identifying any weakness, and performing other special tests to determine probability of a torn rotator cuff. In addition, these exams might indicate appropriateness for an MRI, ultrasound imaging, or a CT scan to confirm shoulder pathology.
What Happens After the Diagnosis?
Prompt treatment can speed up the healing process reduce the risk of long-term impairments. Once a torn rotator cuff has been diagnosed, you and your surgeon will discuss whether surgery is needed or if you can manage the injury with more conventional methods. If surgery is not immediately indicated, physical therapy can help manage your pain, restore your range of motion and muscle strength, and improve coordination so that you can return to the activities you love. If surgery is indicated, your surgeon may recommend physical therapy before and after the procedure.
What To Expect During Rotator Cuff Physical Therapy
At Physical Therapy Innovations, your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive physical evaluation and diagnostic tests to determine your deficits. Next, your therapist will design a personalized treatment plan based on the needs of your diagnosis and your personal goals. Specialized techniques such as manual therapies, cupping, dry needling, and specific strengthening and stabilization exercises may be used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and restore function. Joint mobilizations or gentle stretches and exercises may also be prescribed to improve your posture, mobility, and flexibility.
If you are suffering from a rotator cuff injury, call our office today! Our physical therapists are committed to providing you with some much-needed relief and getting you on the path toward recovery!
