Rotator Cuff Injuries
What Are Rotator Cuff Injuries?
The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles that facilitate movement and provide stability to the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injuries refer to damage or irritation of the muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff in the shoulder.
What causes A herniated Disc?
1. Acute Injury
A sudden trauma, such as a fall, lifting a heavy object, or a direct blow to the shoulder, can cause a tear or strain in the rotator cuff muscles or tendons.
2. Repetitive Movements
Overuse of the shoulder, common in sports such as basketball and baseball, or certain occupations, can lead to injury to the rotator cuff tendons (tendinitis) or cause gradual wear and tear over time.
3. Age
As we age, the tendons of the rotator cuff can become weaker and more prone to tears or injuries.
How does physiotherapy Treat Rotator Cuff Injuries?
Resolves The Root Cause
During the assessment, your therapist will assess your shoulder function and mechanics, and create a care plan that targets muscle imbalances to improve your alignment and stability. Your therapist will then provide treatments, prescribe exercises, and educate you on how to reverse your symptoms.
management Strategies
1. Manual Therapy
Myofascial release: to reduce pain, tightness, and inflammation of the muscles, joints, nerves, and fascia of the affected areas.
Joint mobilization: to promote smooth joint movement and mobility of the shoulder girdle (includes the shoulder, shoulder blade, and collarbone)
2. Biomechanical Optimization
Movement pattern conditioning: optimizing shoulder movements to recruit the correct muscles, which will relieve tension on the irritated rotator cuff muscles.
Shoulder girdle stability conditioning: increasing stability in the shoulder blade and neck muscles will improve shoulder alignment.
3. Exercise Therapy
Range of motion: to prevent stiffness and maintain flexibility in the shoulder.
Stretching: to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
Strengthening: to improve the strength and stability of the rotator cuff and other related shoulder girdle muscles.
Home exercise program: individualized exercise prescription to restore optimal and balanced movement.
4. Modalities
Acupuncture: use of thin needles to improve local and systemic function, regulate the nervous system, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Heat and cold therapy: to manage reduce pain and tension or control inflammation.
Electrostimulation: use of electrical currents to stimulate muscles and reduce pain.
Ultrasound: use of high-frequency sound waves to produce deep tissue heating to reduce muscle tension, fascial tension, and inflammation.
Laser therapy: to improve blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
5. Education
Recommendations regarding lifestyle and activity modifications, ergonomics, posture, and sleeping position to help reduce load, risk of recurrence, and further injury.