The Rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that move and stabilize the shoulder. These muscles include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis. When these muscles or their tendons are damaged it can cause pain along the front or side of the arm and neck pain. Other symptoms include inability to lift the above shoulder level or to reach behind your back. The rotator cuff muscles are used in our daily lives and in sports activities as well. Let’s learn more about shoulder injury treatments and ways to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles.
Treatment
Treatment for rotator cuff tendinopathy includes rest, ice, range of motion and strengthening exercises.
REST– As with most injuries to the arm it is important to limit heavy lifting. With the rotator cuff we also have to avoid overhead activities such as lifting something off a shelf and repetitive activities such as painting.
ICE can be placed on the shoulder to reduce swelling. This is particularly important immediately after you perform an activity that causes you pain to prevent swelling in the first place.
Range of Motion Exercise
Strengthening Exercises
When the arm is very painful start isometric exercises (strengthening the muscle without moving the shoulder joint). For all of the following exercises push the injured arm against the wall as hard as you can without causing pain. Push for 5 seconds 10 times, twice a day.
Stand with your injured arm against a wall and push out into the wall
If you have further questions and would like to book a consultation, contact our Bowmanville Advanced Shoulder Pain Treatment Centre. Our Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, and Massage Therapists at the Bowmanville clinic are highly experienced with shoulders and rotator cuff treatments. Make an appointment online here or call us at 905-233-4374.
