Lifting objects that are too heavy over your head. Throwing too many pitches during baseball season. Falling on your outstretched arm or on your shoulder. All these all-too-common scenarios can lead to a rotator cuff injury.
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons, which help stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for mobility. Injuries to this shoulder structure are relatively common; in fact, it’s estimated that up to 40% of U.S. adults over 60 are dealing with a rotator cuff tear.
What are common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?
An injured rotator cuff can cause you to experience pain and decreased motion of the shoulder joint. When the rotator cuff is injured or damaged, it can also lead to other symptoms or issues including:
- Fluid accumulation in the joint (swelling)
- Impingement (pinching) of the muscles
- Arthritis
- Calcium deposits
Three common rotator cuff injuries
A rotator cuff injury can take many different forms, but there are certain injuries that physical therapists see more often than others. Three of the most common of these injuries are:
- Rotator cuff tears — There are two forms a rotator cuff tear can take. An acute rotator cuff tear can occur from a spontaneous raising of the arm against resistance. Chronic rotator tears typically result from playing sports with excessive overhead activity, such as tennis players. This can lead to degenerative changes in the tendon and cause decreased function over time.
- Rotator cuff tendinitis — Tendinitis is a result of the wearing out of the tendons and muscles due to age. It takes a long time to heal and can lead to a secondary tear of the rotator cuff.
- Shoulder subluxation — This issue occurs when the shoulder joint is partially dislocated and becomes unstable. Shoulder subluxation causes the rotator cuff to have to work harder and stretch farther. In turn, this can lead to rotator cuff injury, discomfort or weakness.
Peak Performance offers physical therapy for rotator cuff injuries
For many, physical therapy is the answer for treating rotator cuff injuries. Studies have shown that those who had physical therapy for a rotator cuff injury did just as well as those who had surgery. Our team at Peak Performance can offer you physical therapy intended to reduce your injury symptoms and reduce healing time.
We’ll start by performing a free screening on your shoulder, which is designed to reveal how your shoulder has been injured. Our team will then build you a personalized rotator cuff therapy plan. You can even put this plan into practice from home by using our virtual care or at-home therapy services, and patients aren’t required to have a doctor’s referral before beginning their therapy with us.
Contact us today for more information about how we can help with your shoulder injury or to schedule an initial appointment.
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