What is a Rotator Cuff injury?

A rotator cuff injury occurs when one or more of the shoulder muscles is torn, impinged or has tendonitis as the result of trauma or everyday degeneration. It can range from simple inflammation to a torn rotator cuff that requires surgery. Rotator cuff injuries occur most often in people engaged in a lot of overhead activity, such as basketball players and painters.

Rotator Cuff Symptoms

Symptoms of rotator cuff injury include pain and weakness in the injured shoulder. The patient sometimes only feels rotator cuff pain when lifting the damaged shoulder. Sleeping in certain positions can put painful pressure on the shoulder. Sometimes, the joint sticks or "clicks" when moved. Once the rotator cuff is torn, pain can be constant, and sufferers may not be able to raise their arm over their heads.

How we can help with Rotator Cuff Therapy

Physical therapy may include cryotherapy, electrical stimulation and ultrasound to reduce pain and swelling. Rotator cuff exercises include strengthening exercises and stretching exercises to rebuild the injured muscles of the rotator cuff and the entire shoulder area. In shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears, most surgeons would prefer that their patients undergo pre-operative physical therapy to see if that helps reduce the pain to a tolerable level before opting for surgery.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Rotator Cuff therapy, please contact the clinic nearest you to speak to one of our licensed physical therapists. A prescription from your Primary Care Physician is all you need to initiate your health insurance benefits.