Rotator Cuff Injury

Does your job involve the use of repeated same shoulder motions? Then you have higher chances of suffering from rotator cuff injury which causes chronic shoulder pain. The pain makes even the simplest task unimaginably difficult. 

The good news is you may not need surgeries to relieve the condition. Physiotherapy exercises can help you reduce the pain and get back to normal life. 

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury? 

To understand what rotator cuff injury is, you should know the basic structure of the shoulder joint. 

• The shoulder consists of a ball and socket joint. There are three bones in your shoulder: upper arm bone, shoulder blade and collarbone. 
• The head of the upper arm (ball) fits into the shallow socket of the shoulder blade. 
• The rotator cuff is what keeps your arm fixed in the shoulder socket. 
• It helps you perform most activities that involve the upper arm and shoulder like combing hair, brushing your teeth, etc. 

Now that you know which one is the rotator cuff, let’s see what causes the injury. 

Rotator cuff injury occurs due to wear and tear of your rotator cuff. 

Rotator cuff tears cause the tendons to detach from your arm bone making it painful to move the upper arm. 

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears? 

The rotator cuff plays an integral role in the upper arm and shoulder movement. You may prevent the injury if you are aware of what causes rotator cuff injury in the first place. 

• Usually, the tendons surrounding the shoulder joints tend to weaken due to constant wear and tear and with time. Thus, people over 40 are at high risk of experiencing the condition. 
• A healthy blood supply to the tendons is important for the rotator cuff to function properly. With age, the blood flow decreases considerably, thereby causing rotator cuff tears. 
• You can end up tearing your rotator cuff if you tend to use the same repeated shoulder motions during games or at workplaces. 

Besides these, rotator cuff injuries can occur due to dislocated shoulders as well. So, it is better to get yourself checked if you have been in an accident lately. 

What are the Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries?

People often do not realize they have rotator cuff injuries. So, look out for the following symptoms:

• A dull pain in the shoulders
• A limited movement that involves the shoulder & upper arm 
• Clicking sounds when raising your arm 
• Weakness in shoulder 
• Difficulty in lifting objects 

You can consult with a professional physiotherapist to know if you have rotator cuff injuries. They can also guide you through an appropriate recovery program. 

Can Physiotherapy Help in Treating Rotator Cuff Injury? 

Physiotherapy works best on rotator cuff injuries if you consult with a professional as early as possible. Regular sessions with your physiotherapist can help you regain strength, confidence and an active lifestyle. 

The physiotherapists assess the severity and type of tear in your rotator cuff injury. They prescribe specific exercises according to the above-mentioned reports. The exercises focus on strengthening the tendons and muscles in your shoulder, thereby managing the rotator cuff injury effectively.