The rotator cuff is a term for a collection of small muscles located around your shoulder blade which insert onto the top of the arm. They help move and stabilise your shoulder joint. These muscles come together to form a strong tendon that attaches onto the upper arm. Due to the multi directional function of the shoulder joint, these muscles have a very tough job and are very commonly injured or cause pain. The majority of shoulder pain seen at Motion Physio Clinic is due to rotator cuff pain or involvement. Rotator cuff injuries or pain is extremely common and can happen to anyone.
There are two types of injuries that occur to the rotator cuff. One is direct trauma or acute injury after a fall or over exertion of the shoulder joint, which is common this time of year working out in the garden. The second injury is a repetitive strain, that develops over a period of time and the shoulder pain will come on insideously. Both types will include pain and weakness at these muscles on the shoulder blade.
Symptoms of Rotator cuff injuries include pain at the front of the shoulder and the side of the arm. Pain is caused by raising and lowering the arm. There is usually noticeable loss of strength in the arm and shoulder joint. The pain can disturb sleep. Pain is worst when using the arm for activities that are above your shoulder level. Some people report clicking or catching when they move their shoulder.
Physiotherapy is very effective in alleviation of these symptoms. Manual therapy, including dry needling techniques ease pain and reduce tightness in the rotator cuff muscles. Modification of activities will be necessary to ease pain, especially overhead activities, but immobilisation of the shoulder joint is not helpful and can lead to frozen shoulder. Your Chartered Physiotherapist will guide you through an exercise programme that will stretch and strengthening these muscles. This programme of treatment will alleviate your symptoms and restore function to your shoulder joint.
If you have shoulder pain, pop into us at Motion Physio Clinic, Prosperous, 045 84 1010. I can perform an assessment, give you a diagnosis and treat you as required.
