What is a rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that all work in unison to provide the shoulder with stability. They’re an integral part of a normally functioning shoulder. Unfortunately, since these muscles are so small and often neglected, they are vulnerable to damage and therefore a culprit to most common shoulder injuries.
A rotator cuff tear is a condition where the muscle/s of a rotator cuff become damaged and frayed as a result of overuse, a traumatic event (such as falling onto your hands) or even just due to aging! Symptoms vary from person to person but is often debilitating as it can put a restriction to lifting your shoulders above your head or even simple movements such as combing/tying your hair and dressing. Symptoms can include:
- Deep aching in the front, side or back of the shoulder and can often worsen at night.
- Shoulder weakness which is usually accompanied by shoulder pain
- Pain with reaching above your head and shoulders.
- Occasional sharp pain when lifting the arm or lifting objects.
As these muscles are small and often neglected, they are prone to tearing.
We understand how debilitating shoulder pain can be when you’re trying to get through your work shift, hit that solid topspin serve or as simple as trying to get the chores done. Fortunately, physiotherapy can assist in assessing and diagnosing a rotator cuff tear. They can develop a management plan to work around your demands or work duties and speed up your recovery to pain free shoulder movement.
If you currently have any shoulder pain, book an appointment with our physiotherapists at Back in Motion Braybrook.