Shoulder pain can be an extremely frustrating issue that limits your daily activities. Those who have experienced a rotator cuff injury can attest to how debilitating this type of pain can be. It can feel as if your shoulder is constantly reminding you of its presence in the worst way possible. In this blog post, I will provide you with a detailed breakdown of rotator cuff injuries, including what they are, symptoms, most common causes, and the path to recovery.
Contents:
What Is A Rotator Cuff?
A rotator cuff is made up of four highly specialised muscles, which are collectively referred to as the 'rotator cuff'. These are not just muscles; they come along with their very own tendons to play a key role in the grand symphony that your shoulder carries out every time it moves.
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injury
Symptoms that accompany rotator cuff injuries will range from mildly disturbing to greatly debilitating. Below is a breakdown of the symptoms that usually accompany a rotator cuff injury:
Sharp elevations of pain and discomfort are experienced when lifting your arm above your head or reaching behind during activities. Many people describe the pain as a constant, deep ache or soreness, and it may feel like the muscle is sore and easily fatigued or like you have been putting out extra effort with very little return.
The other possible symptom may also be a weakness of the shoulder, more than just feeling off the top of your game. Perhaps things that had been done as a matter of routine before, such as throwing a ball or lifting a kettle, suddenly seemed very difficult, if not impossible.
With limits to the range of motion, it might feel as if your shoulder is stiffening up against motions that weren't so difficult to carry out.
Night pain is viciously insidious because it interrupts your everyday activities, and what's more, your nights. It is this type of pain that wakes you out of deep sleep, and one ends up tossing and turning in a vain search for a pain-free position.
Common Causes: How Do Rotator Cuff Injuries Happen?
Rotator cuff injuries can happen as part of the natural wear and tear of the joint or as a product of cumulative stress we have put on our shoulders over the years. Here are what could be the culprit of rotator cuff injuries to give you some insight:
Age: the more we age, the more the tissue of the body has been used leading to natural wear and tear.
Repetitive stress from overuse in sports or occupation strains not only the shoulder but can also bring inflammation and tears. It is the repetition of the motion which slowly, and gradually wears the rotator cuff down until pain and injury are incurred.
Acute Injuries are often derived from one mistake or accident, such as dropping onto your shoulder or trying to lift something that is just too heavy. These can cause the rotator cuff to sustain rapid and serious damage, which requires urgent medical attention.
Healing and Prevention
The path to recovery from a rotator cuff injury leads through the simplest and most basic treatments which depend on the level of the injury and the specifics surrounding the individual.
Rest and Ice form your first line of defence: They both help minimise swelling and pain during the first stages of injury.
Physical Therapy can make a huge difference, as therapists design specific exercises that will allow strength and flexibility to return to the shoulder in a controlled, gradual manner. These exercises can also help retrain the shoulder muscles to work with one another more effectively to support and protect your shoulder in the future.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication may provide relief from pain and swelling however they are not going to cure, soothe, or eliminate any cause of swelling. They are best applied judiciously and normally in combination with other treatments.
In cases of severe injuries where the tendon is completely torn or does not respond to less aggressive treatments, surgery may be necessary. Surgery is an option to repair the damaged tendon, followed by a period of rest and rehabilitation to restore the full function of the rotator cuff. This can be through constant strengthening exercises for your shoulders, practicing good technique while at sports and activities, and allowing time for your body to rest and recover. By preventing it, the chances of suffering from an injury to a rotator cuff can be greatly reduced.
FAQs
Can I prevent a rotator cuff injury? Absolutely! To avoid the injuries, preventative measures would include simple shoulder exercises, breaks while doing activities repeated over and over, and keeping good posture.
Are there any home treatments for rotator cuff injuries? Yes, you can rest, ice, and gently stretch. The formal diagnosis and the management plan can be discussed with your GP or a private shoulder specialist.
How long is the recovery period of a rotator cuff injury? The healing time can differ for each individual, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on how the tendons are affected. Then, following a specially adapted treatment plan requires patience.
Knowing the symptoms and causes of rotator cuff injury is the first step to recovery. Most patients recover from a rotator cuff injury with appropriate care and return to daily life without persistent painful symptoms. It's all about listening to your body and seeking professional advice early, which can make a big difference.
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