Have you noticed pain in your shoulder? Does it seem to get worse at night or flare up whenever you perform certain arm movements? There’s a good chance you’re in need of rotator cuff injury therapy.
Your shoulder joint is a complex ball-and-socket joint that connects the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade and collarbone. This complexity allows you to perform a wide range of arm movements, but it has to be stabilized by the rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and their tendons.
The rotator cuff is responsible for keeping the head of the arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the scapula, providing stability and allowing for various arm movements like reaching or activities like lifting and throwing. Without a healthy rotator cuff, the shoulder joint can become unstable, leading to pain and limited motion.
Physical therapy at Peak Orthopedic Physical Therapy is key in addressing rotator cuff injuries. We use tailored exercises and techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore your shoulder’s function.
Is your rotator cuff the source of your shoulder pain? Keep reading to learn more about rotator cuff injuries–and the different ways our Redondo Beach therapists can treat them.
Three Reasons You Might Have Pain In Your Rotator Cuff
Tendinitis
- Tendinitis is one of the most common rotator cuff injuries. It occurs when the tendons become irritated or inflamed, often due to repetitive overhead activities like throwing a ball or painting. Symptoms of tendinitis include the following:
- A dull ache deep in the shoulder
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
- Pain when lifting the arm
Tears
- You can also tear the tissues in your rotator cuff, either partially or completely. Rotator cuff tears can result from acute trauma, like falling on an outstretched arm, or gradual wear and tear over time. Symptoms will vary based on severity but generally include the following:
- Sharp pain
- A snapping sensation at the moment of injury
- Weakness in the shoulder
- Difficulty with everyday tasks such as combing hair or reaching behind the back
Bursitis
Bursitis affects the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the rotator cuff tendons. When the bursae become inflamed, it can cause pain and swelling, making it hard to move the shoulder. It’s often linked with tendinitis, as the same repetitive motions can lead to both conditions.
How Physical Therapy Addresses a Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injury therapy at Peak Orthopedic Physical Therapy involves a range of techniques designed to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the shoulder. Our physical therapists use evidence-based approaches to tailor treatments to your specific needs, ensuring optimal recovery and preventing future injuries.
We’ll typically start with pain management and inflammation reduction using manual therapy techniques and treatment modalities like hot or cold therapy. Manual therapy also helps restore the range of motion in your shoulder. We might supplement these various hands-on techniques with careful shoulder mobility exercises, too.
As your shoulder’s mobility improves, we’ll begin working to strengthen the rotator cuff through targeted exercise, gradually increasing their intensity as you progress. Using resistance bands and light weights, we’ll guide you through a personalized plan to enhance your shoulder’s strength and stability.
The final step involves training you in everyday arm and shoulder movements–including any sports-specific movements–and providing comprehensive injury prevention tips to keep your rotator cuff safe. We’ll show you movement modifications, biomechanical corrections, and more.
Ready to Resolve Your Rotator Cuff Injury?
Rotator cuff injury therapy is an effective way to rehabilitate damaged rotator cuffs, helping you return to work, sports, and other activities. The team at Peak Orthopedic Physical Therapy will carefully assess your symptoms, determine the factors that contributed to your injury, and provide a personalized treatment plan suited to your needs and goals.
Schedule an appointment today to get started!
