Treating a rotator cuff injury with physical therapy

The rotator cuff is the part of your shoulder that, as you guessed it, is responsible for rotation. It is made up of muscles, ligaments and tendons that work together to connect the arm to the rest of your body and move your arm. 

With full range of motion, you can lift your arm straight up and rotate it in a full circle. When you think about it, this is quite a physical feat for your body. That’s why it’s important for each component of your rotator cuff to be healthy. When just one of the muscles or connective tissues is injured, your entire shoulder suffers.

Rotator cuff injuries are common in athletes, especially those who constantly throw balls. Because of this, baseball players and football quarterbacks are at higher risk for these injuries. 

Symptoms of rotator cuff injury

Whether you’re an athlete or not, you should be aware of the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury. Knowing the difference between normal strain and a serious injury lets you know when to get professional treatment. This can help reduce the pain and prevent further injury.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include:

• Chronic pain in the shoulder
• Loss of strength
• Loss of range of motion, especially when reaching upward or backward
• Pain when resting on the shoulder

Treating rotator cuff injuries

Treatments for rotator cuff injuries vary depending on the cause and severity of the injury. These treatments may include:

• Resting the arm in a sling
• Pain medications
• Corticosteroids
• Physical therapy
• Surgery (in extreme cases)

Physical therapy is usually the preferred method of treatment. Physical therapy techniques are noninvasive and are effective in helping reduce pain and restore range of motion. 

Contact Armor Physical Therapy for rotator cuff injury treatment

Our physical therapists at Armor Physical Therapy work with people to help treat all kinds of conditions, including rotator cuff injuries. Physical therapy treatments typically aim to strengthen and stretch the muscles and connective tissues to reduce pain and restore range of motion. 

Each treatment is personalized to the needs of the individual, but you can generally expect your treatment to include some of the following:

• Stretching and exercising
• Icing and heating
• Hands-on therapy and massage
• Electrical stimulation and more

Are you suffering from shoulder pain that may be the result of a rotator cuff injury? Our team is here to help you. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.