03 Mar What Can You Do About Rotator Cuff Injuries?
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in or around your shoulder, it could be a rotator cuff injury, which is either a tear or inflammation in the muscles and tendons in the shoulder.
It can be caused by general wear and tear as you get older, or it could be the result of a sports injury, with any activities requiring repetitive over-the-head arm movements potentially causing this kind of problem.
You may well find that you are struggling to carry out daily tasks as a result of your pain, such as getting dressed or brushing your hair – in which case, it’s essential that you take steps to have the problem treated, so you can get back to moving normally, without any pain.
What are the symptoms of rotator cuff injuries?
The main symptom you will likely experience with an injury of this kind is pain at the top and side of the shoulder, a dull ache in the general area of the body.
It may well feel worse if you are doing an activity that requires your arm to be above your head and you may find that your pain gets worse at night. Also listen out for grating or clicking sounds when you move, as this could be indicative of a problem, as can a general feeling of weakness when you move your arm from the shoulder.
How do you treat rotator cuff injuries?
How you treat rotator cuff injuries will depend on the severity of the problem and the kind of injury you have. Seeing your GP is a good first step to take if you are struggling, but you may also find it greatly beneficial to come and see us here at Camberley osteopath clinic OsteoVision to see if there is anything we can do.
We will be able to show you stretches and exercises that you can do at home to help build strength and facilitate movement and range of motion. How long you need to do these exercises will depend on the kind of injury you have.
If not treated properly, shoulder pain can last for several years, but with individualised treatment options there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to relieve pain and stiffness.
During the early stages of your rehabilitation programme, we focus on gentle exercises to allow damaged tissue to heal, while helping to keep you mobile throughout your recovery. Exercise and treatment are integral to the recovery process, helping to prevent reinjury or further injuries.
You can also do a lot to help yourself and if you do have an injury of this kind, make sure you rest your shoulder as much as possible. Avoid lifting heavy weights, for example, and do not do anything that involves you lifting your arm over your head. However, do not completely stop using your shoulder as this can actually slow down the healing process.