What is the Rotator Cuff?
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.
Types of Rotator Cuff Injuries
There are two types of injuries that occur to the rotator cuff:
- Direct trauma or acute injury – This happens after a fall or overexertion of the shoulder joint, which is common during activities like gardening.
- Repetitive strain injury – This develops over time and leads to shoulder pain that comes on insidiously. Both types will include pain and weakness in the muscles on the shoulder blade.
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Pain at the front of the shoulder and side of the arm.
- Pain when raising and lowering the arm.
- Noticeable loss of strength in the arm and shoulder joint.
- Pain that disturbs sleep.
- Worst pain occurs when using the arm for overhead activities.
- Some people report clicking or catching when moving their shoulder.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Physiotherapy is very effective in alleviating these symptoms. Manual therapy, including dry needling techniques, can ease pain and reduce tightness in the rotator cuff muscles. Activity modification is also necessary to reduce pain, especially with overhead movements. However, immobilising the shoulder joint is not recommended, as it can lead to frozen shoulder.
Your Chartered Physiotherapist will guide you through an exercise programme that will stretch and strengthen these muscles. This treatment programme will help alleviate your symptoms and restore function to your shoulder joint.
Get Help for Shoulder Pain
📍 Visit us at Motion Physio Clinic, Prosperous
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I can perform an assessment, give you a diagnosis, and provide treatment as required.