Rotator Cuff Injury
The “rotator cuff” is a group of 4 muscles responsible for keeping the shoulder stable. The rotator cuff is made up of supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor. Injuries to the rotator cuff are common. These injuries typically happen from trauma or with overuse of the shoulder. Athletes and heavy laborers are most commonly affected, but rotator cuff injuries can happen to anyone. Typical symptoms of a rotator cuff injury are pain on the top of the shoulder, weakness, decreased range of motion, and overall loss of function.
Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the true cause or your shoulder pain. Your physical therapist will learn the details of your symptoms, assess your ability to move your arm, identify weaknesses, and perform special tests that may indicate a rotator cuff tear. If left untreated, a rotator cuff tear can cause severe pain, decreased function, and decreased quality of life. Physical therapy will help to address pain and stiffness, restore movement to the shoulder and arm via strengthening, and improve your activities of daily living.
Your physical therapist will design a program to help you reach your goals and return to your hobbies. An individualized physical therapy program can eliminate the need for surgery and prescription pain pills.
