The rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles in the shoulder that give stability to the ball and socket joint. It is, therefore, a great joint as it can move in almost any direction, but with that, it is also vulnerable to strains and sprains due to its flexibility. The muscles are called:
Because the joint’s range of motion is so vast, this can be a great advantage, allowing you to do complex movements and play sports. However, it can also be detrimental, as it is prone to injury and can move more than a hinge joint.
This can be a nagging and annoying injury that, if left untreated, can last months. You don’t need to play sports to suffer a rotator cuff injury; it can happen with wear and tear over time. We see many clients with rotator cuff strains and tears.
A rotator cuff will cause:
If it is completely torn, then you won’t be able to move your shoulder too well; some movements will be severely limited, like putting your coat on or brushing your hair. The rotator cuff lifts the shoulder and turns the arm in and out. Depending on which one is injured you will notice it more. You may also not see too much of an issue as the other rotator cuffs can substitute for the lack of strength in that muscle. The best way to diagnose them is with an ultrasound or MRI, but most can be diagnosed with a good physical examination by a specialist.
Our sports therapists here are exceptional with rotator cuffs and, within 10 minutes, can form a diagnosis of the severity.
Tears generally happen as wear and tear and can be caused by years of degeneration in the shoulders. However, they can also happen in younger people who play sports and have had injuries. Tennis, cricket, and baseball are all shoulder-based sports, and the players are prone to rotator cuff injuries.
People with a rotator cuff tear cannot lie on the affected shoulder when they sleep, which is often a giveaway.
Because the shoulder joint is mobile, when you have a rotator cuff injury, you want to keep the joint fixed to your side and not lift it above your head.
When you lift your arm up, you can put pressure on the rotator cuff tendons when you need them to heal.
You also want to remember not to lift heavy objects, especially above your head, like putting luggage into overhead storage or lifting shopping into a high cabinet.
Posture is also important. If you sit behind a computer for most of the day, you need to ensure you rotate your shoulders back and down to set them in the correct position to promote healing.
If the pain persists for over weeks without improvement, you must seek professional help.
There are several exercises we can show you to perform to help the recovery, these include the push-up plus, sleeper stretch and a theraband. These must be done correctly and, therefore, under instruction from a professional when you are doing them for the first time.
Rest and ice the shoulder to relieve the inflammation. Apply an ice pack to the shoulder for 15-minute intervals on the hour.
Seek professional help. Come and see one of our sports therapists, who can diagnose this for you and prescribe exercises and a care plan to help you immediately.
Book Your Free Consultation with West Chiropractic
Our discovery visit can tell you what is wrong, why it’s happening and what you can do
What our clients have to say
See what some of our clients have to say about our Chiropractic service!
Want to know more but not ready for a full assessment? Fill in the form below and we’ll be in contact shortly to arrange a free discovery visit – with no obligation.
