Several injuries in the arm and shoulder area can see significant recovery benefits from physical therapy, and a rotator cuff injury is a great example. Whether we’re talking about a full-on rotator cuff tear or any of the other kinds of injuries that can occur to this area, the process of physical therapy often plays a key role in helping shed pain and discomfort while recovering in healthy ways.
At ImPackt Physical Therapy, we’re happy to provide a huge range of physical therapy services for patients around Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Riverton and nearby areas of Utah, including numerous shoulder pain relief services – rotator cuff injuries among them. Here are some of the basics on rotator cuff injuries and the types out there, plus the approaches taken during physical therapy to help relieve pain and promote recovery.
Rotator Cuff Injury Basics and Types
There are actually several different tendons and muscles that make up the rotator cuff, all of which attach to the shoulder blade and provide support and stability to the shoulder joint. A tear or other injury to any of these structures can lead to pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily activities.
The most common type of rotator cuff injury is a tear in one or more of these tendons. This can occur from a sudden traumatic event, such as falling on an outstretched arm or lifting heavy objects overhead. Alternatively, gradual wear and tear over time due to repetitive motions (such as those required by certain sports or occupations) can also cause a rotator cuff tear.
Other types of rotator cuff injuries can include tendonitis, bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint), and impingement (a pinching of the tendons between bone structures).
Acute Vs. Chronic
One important distinction to make when discussing rotator cuff injuries is whether they are acute (sudden onset) or chronic (developing over time). This can affect both the type and severity of symptoms, as well as the recommended course of treatment.
For example, an acute rotator cuff tear may require immediate medical attention and possibly surgery in more severe cases. On the other hand, a chronic injury may be better managed through physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Goals of Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Injuries
When you first see a physical therapist for your rotator cuff injury, they will conduct an evaluation to assess the extent of your injury and develop a customized treatment plan. The primary goals of physical therapy for rotator cuff injuries include:
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Increasing range of motion and flexibility in the shoulder joint
- Improving strength and stability
- Restoring functional movement patterns
To achieve these goals, your physical therapist may use various techniques and approaches – which we’ll go over in our upcoming sections.
Basic Stretching and Flexibility Therapy
In many cases, a rotator cuff injury can involve muscle tightness and stiffness, which can further limit your range of motion and cause discomfort. Your physical therapist may start off by prescribing some basic stretches to help loosen up these muscles and improve flexibility in the shoulder region.
For example, you may be instructed to perform gentle neck rolls, arm circles, or cross-body shoulder stretches with a resistance band.
Strengthening Exercises
As your pain and inflammation decrease, your physical therapist will likely begin incorporating strengthening exercises into your treatment plan. These exercises will target not only the rotator cuff muscles themselves but also surrounding muscles that support the shoulder joint.
Some common examples of strengthening exercises for rotator cuff injuries include internal and external rotations using resistance bands or weights, as well as arm raises and rows.
Manual Therapy Techniques
In addition to exercises, your physical therapist may also use manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilizations, and other hands-on methods to help improve range of motion, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing.
For example, trigger point release therapy can be used to target specific areas of muscle tightness or knots in the shoulder region. Massage can also help increase blood flow to the area for better healing.
Lifestyle Modifications
As with any injury or condition, making certain lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in recovery. Your physical therapist may provide guidance on proper posture and body mechanics to reduce strain on the shoulder joint. They may also recommend modifying certain activities or avoiding certain movements that could aggravate your injury.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing and recovering from rotator cuff injuries. Through a combination of stretching, strengthening exercises, manual therapy techniques, and lifestyle modifications, physical therapy can help relieve pain, improve range of motion and flexibility, and restore function to the injured shoulder. If you are experiencing any symptoms related to a rotator cuff injury, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a physical therapist for personalized treatment and care.
At ImPackt Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to providing individualized care and helping our patients achieve optimal recovery and return to their daily activities. We understand the impact that shoulder injuries can have on daily life, and our team is committed to helping you recover in a comfortable and healthy manner. Contact us today for help with a rotator cuff injury, or with any of a number of other issues our physical therapists are happy to assist with for patients around SLC, South Jordan, Riverton and nearby areas.
