Have you hurt your shoulder?
Shoulder pain can be debilitating, and one of the common culprits is an injury to the rotator cuff—a group of four muscles responsible for stabilizing and moving your shoulder joint. These muscles play a vital role in your ability to lift, rotate, and perform everyday activities.
What Is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff comprises four muscles that insert around the shoulder joint, working together to stabilize and move the shoulder. When these muscles are strained or torn, the result can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and reduced function.
What Affects Rotator Cuff Health?
Your general health has a significant impact on rotator cuff disease. Conditions like hypertension, metabolic disorders, poor nutrition, smoking, and a lack of physical activity can increase your risk of tendon pain. Additionally, load capacity—the amount of strain your shoulder can handle—is a critical factor.
Rehabilitation Goals
The primary goals of rehabilitation are to reduce pain and restore function. Interestingly, the extent of damage seen on an MRI or ultrasound doesn’t necessarily correlate with how well you can function. Even with small tears, the focus should be on moving pain-free and enjoying the activities you love.
Treatment Options
For small rotator cuff tears (less than 2 cm), physiotherapy is often more effective than surgery. Exercise and strengthening programs are the first line of treatment. Unlike other tissues, tendons don’t “heal” in the traditional sense—they remodel through targeted loading. With the right exercises, pain diminishes, and function improves over time.
The Role of Exercise
Exercise is the cornerstone of treating rotator cuff injuries. Tendons adapt to the load placed on them, meaning that with the right exercises, your pain and mobility can improve significantly.
When Surgery May Be Necessary
While small tears can often be managed through physiotherapy, larger tears or those causing significant pain may require a surgical opinion. Early intervention is key to avoiding further damage and ensuring the best outcomes.
Take Action Today
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, don’t wait. Physiotherapy can help you regain function, reduce pain, and even prevent further tendon damage. Contact us today to start your journey toward a pain-free life.
Call or email us today to book your appointment:
? admin@bodyreform.co.nz
? 09 361 6415