A rotator cuff injury is a common cause of shoulder pain and discomfort. Shoulder pain in rotator cuff injuries can also pose problems in carrying out daily activities. The rotator cuff is composed of the muscles and tendons which connect the shoulder blade with the arm bone. It also enables the upper arm bone to sit firmly in the shoulder socket and this allows for a wide range of motion. Damage to this region can lead to many problems such as limited mobility of the shoulder joint, muscle spasms, accumulation of fluid in the joint and arthritis. The nature of the injury can be either mild in which the muscle or tendon recovers quickly without undergoing permanent damage. In other cases, the injury may be severe involving partial or complete tearing of the muscle.
Rotator cuff injuries can occur in different forms such as tendonitis which refers to inflammation of the shoulder tendons due to overuse or excess strain and bursitis which is inflammation of the sacs that prevent friction between the tendons and joints.
Shoulder rotator cuff tears may occur in the tendons or muscles due to untreated injuries or due to chronic degeneration. The rotator cuff undergoes wear and tear on a daily basis and after an individual crosses the age of 40, there may be a reduction of collagen in the muscles and tendons. This increases the risk of injury. Calcium deposits also tend to occur with age. Another cause of rotator cuff injuries is bad posture. Slouching of the shoulders can cause the muscles in the region to become smaller and the possibility of a pinched nerve increases. The tendons and muscles may also tear due to a fall or while lifting heavy objects. Rotator cuff tears are a common occurrence in sports such as tennis and swimming in which there is repetitive overhead movement. The common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include tenderness, pain and weakness. There is also likely to be reduced flexibility of the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff recovery depends on the extent of the tearing. Treatment involves different options such as medication, exercise and rest. In some cases surgery may also be necessary. To prevent recurring rotator cuff injuries it is advisable to engage in regular shoulder exercises. Those involved in activities that require repetitive shoulder movements should take regular breaks to allow the joint to rest.
In most cases rotator cuff injury treatment involves physical therapy. The individual may be referred to a physical therapist who will recommend certain exercises that can quicken healing and improve strength of the shoulder joint. The type of shoulder rotator cuff exercises will depend on the severity of the injury and the therapy may continue for some weeks or months until the injury is properly healed. Rotator cuff tear treatment may also involve certain other options. In case of severe pain and inflammation, steroid injections may be administered directly in the affected area by the doctor. Severe injuries may also require surgery. Individuals who suffer large tears in the rotator cuff may have to undergo surgical treatment in order to repair the tearing. In many cases the doctor will also extract calcium deposits or bone spurs from the shoulder joint during the surgery. There are different ways in which rotator cuff surgery may be carried out. In some cases an open repair surgery is done in which 2 to 4 inch incisions are made. Mini open repair procedures involving 1 and half to 2 inch incisions may also be performed. Arthroscopic surgery is another type of procedure in which smaller incisions are made and a camera is inserted along with certain surgical instruments. In some severe cases, the doctor may recommend partial or total shoulder replacement.
Treatment for torn rotator cuff may also involve some home remedies. These are especially beneficial in case of mild strain or minor injuries. Firstly the injured shoulder should be rested adequately. Any activity that triggers pain and movements such as overhead stretching or lifting should be avoided. Application of ice helps to bring down swelling, inflammation and pain. The ice compress may be placed over the affected shoulder for about 20 minutes each time. A couple of days later, heat packs or warm compresses may be used to loosen the muscles and reduce soreness. There are also some over-the-counter pain relieving medications available to treating minor pain and discomfort. It is important to follow the directions on the labels of such medications. It is also essential to discontinue the drugs once the problem subsides. In order to keep the shoulder muscles flexible, simple range of motion exercises are highly beneficial. Long periods of inactivity can cause stiffness and lead to frozen shoulder. Therefore once healing takes place, it is advisable to engage in regular exercise of the shoulder joint.
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