Rotator Cuff Injury
A Rotator Cuff injury is a common cause of shoulder pain. Injury to the Rotator Cuff will usually begin as inflammation, commonly called Rotator Cuff tendonitis. If the cause of Rotator Cuff tendonitis is not addressed, a partial or complete Rotator Cuff tear can develop. Physiotherapy is often effective in treating Rotator Cuff tendonitis. Tears of the Rotator Cuff are best treated by surgical repair.
Common Rotator Cuff Injury signs & symptoms:
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff injury include
- weakness,
- loss of full movement and
- shoulder pain.
The amount of pain will depend on the extent of the injury. Patients with early-stage inflammation may only have pain with overhead activities, while those with a Rotator Cuff tear may not be able to sleep because of the pain.
Treatment
We will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of your problem and formulate a plan as to the issues that need to be addressed to facilitate healing.
A proper warm up and cool down may also help to prevent injury
Physiotherapy is often effective in treating acute (short-term) inflammation and chronic (long-term) degeneration of the cuff where a tear is not present. The first aim of treatment is to reduce the amount of inflammation using ice therapy, active rest and avoidance of exacerbating positions / postures.
Once the inflammation and pain has settled, exercises to regain full movement can begin, followed by a carefully-graded strengthening and stabilising programme.
Preventing re-occurrence
Faults in sporting technique that may have caused the problem in the first place must also be rectified.
For athletes, attention must be paid to flexibility, strength and endurance of the shoulder muscles, ensuring that the muscles of the scapula are not neglected. Learning the correct technique and choosing proper equipment are also important. In addition, any increases in the amount of training or competition must be gradual so as not to overload the rotator cuff.
If you have any questions then give us a call on 0115 972 1319 and one of our will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Outside of office hours, please use ou r contact form and we will get in touch with you.
