What is a Rotator Cuff injury
A Rotator Cuff Injury usually occurs from repetitive overhead arm motions that we do in sport , our jobs, or even working around the house and garden. The Rotator Cuff is the Muscles and Tendons that surround the shoulder joint. There are a variety of ways that the tendons and muscles within the rotator cuff can be damaged . Damage can occur from an acute injury (for example from a fall or accident), from chronic overuse (like throwing a ball or lifting), or from gradual degeneration of the muscle and tendon that can occur with aging.
* Acute Rotator cuff tear
* Cronic tear
*Tendinitis
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff injury
Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury are due to inflammation and the pain associated with this type of injury can be;
* A dull ache in the shoulder
*If you lie on the affected shoulder , disturbed sleep
*Difficulty lifting arm above head and behind back
* Weakness of the arm
Treatment of Rotator Cuff injuries
Treatment of these injuries can be in the form of physical therapy exercises that will strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and give added flexibility,painkillers and occasionally steroid injections.
Surgery is an option but usually for severe cases after exhausting all other treatments.
Physiotherapy for Rotator Cuff Injury
Research has shown that physiotherapy to manage a shoulder injury is usually very successful. There are many ways in which physiotherapy can assist, treatment may comprise of ;
* soft tissue massage
*Joint mobilization
* ice or heat treatment
* progressive exercises to improve flexibility & strength
* technique correction
* postural correction
* anti-inflammatory advice
Holistic Physio Fitness will always give a thorough and objective diagnosis after an examination before any treatment is given and suggest further investigations such as
MRI or Ultrasound to confirm a diagnosis if needed.
If this sounds like an injury you may have the Holistic Physio Fitness phone number is (02) 9999-6666, please call to make an appointment with either Andrew or Craig who will take the time to
talk with you about your injury and find the best possible treatment to achieve the optimum outcome.