Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries are a very common occurrence, usually affecting people who are active in sports such as volleyball or tennis. The rotator cuff is the name given to four muscles of the shoulder:

• Supraspinatus

• Infraspinatus

• Teres Minor

• Subscapularis

These muscles and their relationship to the shoulder can be seen below:

The role of these muscles is to stabilize the shoulder. Sometimes the pain can refer to the shoulder blade or down the arm into the hand. Pain can be the result of a muscle strain or tearing of a tendon.

Some causes of rotator cuff injuries include:

• Repetitive movements and overuse. This can include using a mouse and keyboard

• Shovelling

• Overhand throwing

• Lifting

• Sports such as wrestling, tennis or volleyball

If you have shoulder pain that is not getting better, it may be time to seek treatment. Rotator cuff injuries are graded as follows:

Grade 1 Minimal pain, slight loss of motion, slight weakness Healing time around  4 weeks Grade 2 Partial tearing, marked loss of strength, 50% fiber damage Healing time of upto 1 year Grade 3 Almost complete loss of strength, near 100% fiber damage, complete tearing of the muscle tendon Upto 1 year, may require surgery

The quicker a professional is seen, generally, the better the outcome. Some possible treatment approaches include:

• Graston Therapy

• Massage Therapy

• Joint Mobilizations

• IFC and Ultrasound

• Aggressive muscle stretching and strengthening exercises

The following stretches can help you avoid a rotator cuff injury (click image to enlarge)

If you have rotator cuff pain or know someone who does, call our clinic today for a free consultation to determine what treatment option is better for you!

P: 905-593-1605