• 09 Mar 2023
• |
• By Admin

Physiotherapy for Rotator Cuff Injury Explained: Symptoms, Causes & Exercises

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What is Rotator Cuff Injury?

The rotator cuff encompasses a set of tendons and muscles encircling the shoulder joint, which secure the upper arm bone's head in the shallow socket of the shoulder. When injured, the rotator cuff can cause a persistent, throbbing pain in the shoulder that intensifies at night.

As one age, the likelihood of sustaining a rotator cuff injury grows higher. Individuals who perform frequent overhead motions, such as carpenters and painters, may experience such injuries at an earlier age.

Causes Of Rotator Cuff Injury

• Rotator cuff injuries can occur gradually due to the degeneration of tendon tissue over time or suddenly from a fall or accident.
• Repetitive overhead activities or heavy lifting can also damage or irritate the tendon.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of a rotator cuff injury include:

• Age, with individuals over 60 being most susceptible
• Certain occupations such as carpentry and painting
• Certain sports like baseball and tennis
• Family history of the condition.

Without treatment, rotator cuff injuries can lead to long-term loss of motion or weakness in the shoulder joint.

Symptoms Of Rotator Cuff Injury

Although symptoms may vary, the typical indicators of a rotator cuff tear include:

• Recurrent pain, especially during specific activities
• Discomfort that inhibits sleeping on the affected side
• Audible cracking or grating noises when moving the arm
• Restricted arm mobility
• Muscle weakness.

These symptoms may resemble those of other medical problems or conditions, so it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis Of Rotator Cuff Injury

To diagnose a rotator cuff injury, healthcare providers typically review the patient's medical history and conduct a physical examination.

Additional diagnostic procedures may include:

• X-rays, which produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs using electromagnetic energy beams
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), utilizes large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to generate detailed images of bodily structures.

Rotator cuff tears can be partial or complete, with partial-thickness tears leaving the tendon partially intact.

Physiotherapy Has The Solution For Rotator Cuff Injury

Physical therapy exercises can effectively enhance the flexibility and strength of the muscles encompassing the shoulder joint, and for many individuals suffering from rotator cuff issues, these exercises can help manage their symptoms without further treatment.

However, in some cases, a rotator cuff tear may result from a singular injury, and prompt medical attention is necessary as surgery may be required.

Note: CureNow Wellness now has Digistem 901 VECTOR 90 modality along with Localised Ultrasound which helps in early recovery of Rotator cuff tear. Get in touch with our team for more details.

Benefits Of Physiotherapy

A physical therapist can aid in the restoration of range of motion and teach patients exercises to enhance the strength of their shoulder muscles. Additionally, they can assist in:

• Improving posture to alleviate pain
• Identify comfortable sleeping positions
• Teach safe object-carrying techniques
• Advise on the use of ice or heat for pain relief

Understanding the importance of consistent physical activity and finding alternative methods of performing tasks to avoid further damage to the shoulder is also part of physical therapy. Recovery and a return to regular activities may take some time, but a therapist can help patients navigate this process with patience and perseverance.

Need more information regarding the treatment of Rotator Cuff Injury? Consult with our UK-trained and certified Physiotherapists at CureNow Wellness right now. Visit us at CureNow.in.

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