Meet Mark (not his real name), a weekend basketball player who loved playing with his friends but started experiencing shoulder pain that made shooting hoops unbearable. With the proper rotator cuff injury treatment, Mark found relief and returned to his game. Rotator cuff injury treatment is essential for anyone wanting to return to normal activities, whether playing sports, working, or enjoying hobbies without pain.
Ready to get started with physical therapy for rotator cuff injury? Call our clinic today to learn more!
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
A rotator cuff injury happens when the muscles and tendons around your shoulder joint get damaged. These muscles and tendons help keep your shoulder stable and allow you to move your arm in different directions. Mark experienced sharp pain and weakness in his shoulder, which made it difficult for him to play. You might feel pain, weakness, or even lose some movement in your shoulder.
Common signs of a rotator cuff injury include shoulder pain, especially when lifting your arm, weakness in the shoulder, and trouble reaching behind your back. You might also notice a cracking sound when moving your shoulder.
Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries
Overuse
- Repeating the same shoulder movements, like painting or playing tennis, can wear down the rotator cuff.
Injury
- Falling on your shoulder or lifting something too heavy can tear the rotator cuff.
Age
- The rotator cuff can wear out naturally as we age, making it more prone to injury.
How Physical Therapy Can Help with Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries
Physical therapy is a proven way to treat rotator cuff injuries. It helps reduce pain, improve movement, and strengthen the shoulder. When you start physical therapy, you can expect an initial assessment where the therapist will ask about your symptoms and examine your shoulder. Based on this, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan for you. For Mark, this meant a combination of exercises and therapies aimed to help him return to the basketball court.
Common Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment Methods
Exercises
- Specific exercises will help strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.
Manual Therapy
- Therapists use their hands to massage and move your shoulder, helping to reduce pain and improve movement.
Ultrasound Therapy
- Ultrasound uses sound waves to promote healing in the injured area.
Seeking Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Injuries
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a rotator cuff injury, seeking physical therapy can make a significant difference. Just like Mark, who found relief and returned to his favorite sport, you too can experience the benefits of physical therapy. Physical therapy offers a non-invasive way to treat your shoulder pain and get you back to your daily activities. Don’t let a rotator cuff injury keep you from enjoying life.
Call our team at Eastside Sports Rehab to learn more about rotator cuff injury treatment and find out if this treatment is right for you!
