MyoDynamic Health Logo
Back

Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment

A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help the shoulder move and stay stable. But many Canadian adults get hurt in this area. About 180,000 Canadian adults have symptomatic rotator cuff syndrome each year, i.e., they grapple with the effects of a tear in the rotator cuff. It can make it really painful and hard to do daily things and sleep well at night. People can be affected differently, and some may not be able to work or do things they enjoy.

In this article, we'll discuss what a rotator cuff injury is, how it can occur, and the benefits of physiotherapy for treating this type of injury.

Direct Billing Provided Barrie Innisfil

Contact Us



Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injury

The treatment plan for rotator cuff injuries will depend on the injury's seriousness, among other variables. For minor injuries, the doctor might suggest rest, using ice, physiotherapy and chiropractic care. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers can also help with pain and swelling.

If the injury is more severe, surgery might be necessary. The surgery will be based on how bad and where the injury is and the patient's overall health and medical background. There are two types of surgery - arthroscopic repair, which involves small incisions and specialized tools to fix the damage, and open repair, which needs a more extensive incision to access the damaged area.

Physiotherapy & Chiropractic are safe and effective treatment options for most rotator cuff injuries, particularly those that are not severe. It can also be helpful during the rehabilitation period after surgery. It can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve range of motion and strength, and promote healing of the affected muscles and tendons. Your physical therapist will help you develop an individualized treatment plan based on your injury and goals.


Physiotherapy for Rotator Cuff Repair

Physiotherapy for Shoulder

Physiotherapy & Chiropractic Care is a treatment method that does not require surgery for rotator cuff injuries. It includes various exercises, stretches, and manual therapy methods purposely intended to ease pain, increase the shoulder joint's range of motion, and restore its strength and function. Here are ways that our physiotherapy sessions can aid in treating or managing rotator cuff injuries:

  • Pain Management: Physiotherapy can help reduce the pain associated with rotator cuff injuries. Your physiotherapist may use techniques such as ice or heat therapy, ultrasound, or TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to help ease pain and inflammation.
  • Improved mobility: Physiotherapy can help to enhance mobility in the shoulder joint. A physiotherapist can suggest specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint.
  • Strengthening Exercises: Regaining muscle strength is the best thing about physiotherapy. It can help restore stability to the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Here, your physiotherapist will recommend exercises that enhance the rotator cuff muscles, including the external and internal rotators.
  • Manual Therapy: Physiotherapy may include manual therapy methods like massage or joint mobilization. These methods can enhance circulation, decrease inflammation, and encourage healing in the affected region.
  • Prevention: Physiotherapy can also help prevent future rotator cuff injuries. Your physiotherapist can assist you in identifying risk factors and offering recommendations on how to avoid overuse injuries.

Physiotherapy for Rotator Cuff Injury

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

A rotator cuff injury occurs when one or more of the shoulder's tendons or muscles are ripped or injured. This can cause various symptoms, such as pain, weakness, decreased range of motion, and difficulty completing even the most manageable daily tasks.

Rotator cuff issues can range in severity from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the muscles and tendons. Some common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. In some cases, a rotator cuff injury can even lead to a complete tear of the muscle or tendon, which may require surgical intervention to repair.

How Can a Rotator Cuff Injury Occur?

Many factors, such as repeated motions, unexpected trauma, and aging, can lead to rotator cuff problems. A rotator cuff injury is more common in athletes and those taking part in sports or other activities that demand overhead movements, like tennis or swimming. Aging and degenerative changes can also weaken the tendons, making them more susceptible to injury.

Related Injuries

  • Shoulder separation: Shoulder separation occurs when the ligaments connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade are stretched or torn, leading to a visible bump and pain during movement. The severity of this type of separation range from mild to severe, with more severe cases requiring surgery to repair the damage.
  • Shoulder fracture: Shoulder fractures can occur in the collarbone, upper arm bone, or shoulder blade due to a fall or other traumatic event. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and deformity of the shoulder joint, and treatment can range from immobilization to surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture.
  • Shoulder dislocation: Shoulder dislocations occur when the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket, often due to a sudden impact or fall. Symptoms include severe pain and immobility, and treatment can range from simple joint relocation to surgery if the dislocation is recurrent.
  • Shoulder sprains: Shoulder sprains and strains occur when the ligaments and muscles around the shoulder joint are stretched or torn due to overuse or traumatic events. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion, and treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy.

Get in Touch Now!

If you (or someone you know) have a rotator cuff injury, it is critical that you get the proper treatment you deserve. MyoDynamic Clinic offers individualized physical therapy treatment for rotator cuff issues that considers your unique situation. Our skilled physiotherapists will work with you to develop a specialized treatment strategy to reduce your symptoms, improve your range of motion, and regain the functionality of your shoulder joint. Please make an appointment with us right now to start on the path to a pain-free life.

Book Now