Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries: What You Need to Know to Heal

October 5, 2024

Rotator Cuff

If you’ve ever dealt with shoulder pain, you know how frustrating it can be. Whether you’re struggling to reach overhead, lift a bag, or simply sleep comfortably at night, rotator cuff injuries can really slow you down. As someone who’s seen countless patients with similar issues, I can tell you firsthand: it’s manageable, and there’s help. Let’s dive into what you need to know about these injuries and how you can get back to feeling strong again.

Rotator Cuff

What Exactly Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Your rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles and tendons that wrap around your shoulder joint, giving you the strength and flexibility to move your arm. When something goes wrong with these tendons—like a tear—it affects everything. But here’s the good news: with the right treatment, you can improve.

There are 2 main types of rotator cuff tears, and both need different approaches:

>> Partial Tears:

– What it is: Think of this like a frayed rope. It’s still intact but weakened. These tears often come from overuse—things like reaching overhead repeatedly (think painting or tennis).

– Symptoms: You’ll notice discomfort when you move your arm, especially overhead. But the weakness won’t be as intense as with a full tear.

– Treatment: Rest, ice, and physical therapy are usually enough to get you back to your normal routine.

>> Full-Thickness Tears:

– What it is: This is a complete tear, where the tendon is fully detached from the bone. It’s more serious and often happens due to an injury (like a fall).

– Symptoms: Sharp pain, significant weakness, and trouble moving your arm. Even simple tasks—like lifting a cup—might feel impossible.

– Treatment: Surgery is often recommended here, but physical therapy can also be helpful for smaller tears.

 

Recognizing the Signs

You might be wondering if what you’re feeling is a rotator cuff issue. Here are some common signs:

1 Persistent Shoulder Pain: It often starts as an ache, but with time, it can get sharper and radiate down your arm.

2 Weakness: Struggling to lift objects, push doors open, or even raise your arm? That’s a key sign something might be wrong.

3 Limited Motion: If you can’t comfortably reach for things or lift your arm overhead, it’s time to take action.

4 Clicking or Popping Sounds: If your shoulder makes noises when you move, it’s likely from the tendon catching on bone.

 

Why Does This Happen?

Often, these tears come from overuse. Picture this: you’re doing repetitive motions—maybe it’s reaching overhead to grab something from a shelf or swinging a golf club—and over time, those tendons wear down. Another common culprit is poor posture. I know it sounds simple, but slouching can put your shoulders in a position where they’re more likely to get injured.

What Can You Do About It?

Here’s the part I want to emphasize: rotator cuff injuries are treatable, and with the right care, you can regain your strength and mobility. I’ve seen patients come in thinking they’d never lift their arm again, only to walk out pain-free after a few weeks of dedicated therapy.

Here’s what I recommend:

>> Shockwave Therapy: This treatment uses focused sound waves to stimulate healing. It’s non-invasive and has shown great results, especially for chronic tendonitis or smaller tears.

>> Physical Therapy: Always a key part of recovery. Working with a therapist (like me!) will help you strengthen the muscles around your shoulder, support healing, and prevent future injuries.

Take Action—You Don’t Have to Wait

Shoulder pain doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re dealing with these symptoms, don’t wait for them to get worse. Whether it’s a partial tear, tendonitis, or something more, there are treatments available that can help.

I encourage you to take the next step: book a free Discovery Call with our team. We’ll chat about your pain and figure out the best plan to get you back to the things you love.

Let’s take control of that shoulder pain together!

 

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For more information or to see if our Revive-U program is right for you, please contact our clinic. We invite you to watch an informative video explaining the different FDA-approved technologies that help with tissue regeneration and naturally reduce pain. Let’s work together to help you find joy in your journey through life.
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Nick Hunter
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About The Author

Nick Hunter

Doctor of Physical Therapy in the Northwest Valley, Helps You Move Easy and Pain-Free without Pills, Injections, or Surgery. Dr. Nick received an associates degree in sports medicine from BYU-Idaho he then attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science. Following BYU, he received his Doctorate of Physical therapy from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Dr. Nick’s greatest passion is seeing his patients recover from injury and return to their activities that bring them joy.