The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. These muscles and tendons work together to lift and rotate the arm. Think pitching.
A rotator cuff injury can occur when these muscles and tendons are strained from overuse or injury. Think injured pitchers.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. Treatment for a rotator cuff injury may include rest, ice, physical therapy, and going on the DL. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Pain When Reaching Overhead or Behind Your Back
Reaching overhead or behind your back may cause pain due to the inflammation of the tendons in your rotator cuff. The pain may be dull and achy or sharp and burning.
Difficulty Sleeping on the Affected Shoulder
If you have a rotator cuff injury, sleeping on the affected shoulder is probably going be uncomfortable, to say the least.
Try sleeping on your back with a pillow under your affected arm or on your opposite side with the affected arm hugging/ resting on a pillow. If lying in bed is too much, try sleeping in a reclining chair. Last resort: If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about taking a sleep aid.
Pain When Lifting Objects
If you have a rotator cuff injury, lifting heavy objects away from your body (or even smaller objects depending on the severity of the injury) is going to hurt. This is because the muscles and tendons in your rotator cuff are responsible for stabilizing your shoulder joint when lifting objects overhead.
Treatment for rotator cuff injuries may include rest, ice, and physical therapy. Surgery is sometimes necessary to repair the damage.
Weakness in Your Arm
If you have a rotator cuff injury, you may notice weakness in your arm. This is because the muscles and tendons around your shoulder joint cannot work properly, resulting in weakness.
If you think you have a rotator cuff injury, get treatment as soon as possible.
Get Treated – Book an Appointment
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book an appointment with us today.
At Prairie Trail Physiotherapy, we offer various services that can help you live pain free.
Our experienced team will provide you with a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of your injury and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Contact us today.