
When it pertains to painful injuries, the rotator cuff is right up there on the top end of the pain scale. It’s typical for both very active and sedentary people of any ages to hurt their rotator cuff, and this kind of extremity overuse injury can be rather difficult to recuperate from.
Whether it’s an exercise- or sports-related injury, this shoulder pain can be intense, and it’s sometimes accompanied by neck pain as well. In fact, living with a rotator cuff injury can substantially interfere with your athletic activities as well as everyday activities.
Luckily, there are a wide range of physiotherapy treatment choices available, many with on-going health benefits.
Here are five good reasons why you ought to consider getting your pain relief started with a nearby physiotherapist:
You Might Need a Restorative Workout Program
Depending on the precise nature of your rotator cuff injury, you might be required to follow a specific physical therapy program.
Your physio therapist can assist you to determine your particular rotator cuff issue and establish an unique physical activity program to address it. It’s worth keeping in mind that a restorative workout program is different from an exercise program created to assist you get back into your regular activities immediately.
The latter kind of program can be helpful for discomfort management and enhancing your range of movement, but it won’t particularly target your rotator cuff injury. If you wish to make certain your rotator cuff injury is treated appropriately, your physio therapist will likely develop a restorative workout program that’s customized for you.
Your Rotator Cuff Injury May Require Extending or Kinesiotaping
Depending on the degree of your rotator cuff injury, you might profit from some light stretching or taping. For example, if you have a mild rotator cuff strain or sprain, your physio therapist might advise that you attempt some light extending or mild taping just to assist relieve some of your discomfort and tightness.
If you have an extreme rotator cuff tear or your rotator cuff injury is degenerative, on the other hand, your physiotherapist might suggest some more intense extending or taping.
To be clear, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll need to remain in treatment for hours at a time. Rather, your physio therapist might recommend that you do some gentle stretching or light taping at home prior to your therapy sessions and after that once again after your therapy sessions.
You Might Profit From Manual Therapy for Discomfort Management
Among the important things that sets physiotherapy apart from other kinds of health care therapy is that it incorporates a manual therapy element. What this means is that a physiotherapist will likely utilize some type of manual treatment for pain management, such as myofascial release (MFR) and joint manipulation.
MFR is a massage-like method that can assist to loosen tight muscles, minimize swelling and enhance flexibility. Joint manipulation involves physiotherapists utilizing their hands to administer pressure to your joints. Manual soft tissue techniques can be considerably beneficial for patients with rotator cuff injuries.
This is because your rotator cuff tissues are linked to your shoulder joint, which indicates that they can get incredibly inflamed and painful if they’re not working correctly. Manual therapy can assist to relieve your discomfort, enhance your range of motion and help your muscles work more efficiently.
You Could Get Relief From Dry Needling and/or Ultrasound Treatment
If your physical therapist thinks that dry needling or ultrasound therapy will be valuable for your rotator cuff injury, they’ll likely offer these treatments during your sessions.
Dry needling is a type of acupuncture. Your physiotherapist will apply really small needles to your muscles. Nevertheless, dry needling is really used to deal with discomfort rather than attempting to treat other health issues such as general acupuncture. Your physio therapist may suggest dry needling if they suspect your rotator cuff injury is brought on by or exacerbated by muscle knots.
If they feel that ultrasound therapy will be helpful, they’ll likely employ it on your muscles. Both dry needling and ultrasound treatment can be advantageous for treating rotator cuff discomfort. Dry needling can help to break up muscle knots, and ultrasound can assist to boost blood circulation to the injury site.
You Might Need to Address Your Core Dysfunction
Your core is the area at the centre of your body where your back, stomach and hips come together. It’s made up of your muscles, ligaments and your spine. For example, your core muscles may become too weak, triggering them to be unable to keep your shoulder blades together. As a result, your shoulders will be pulled forward, which can put a lot of pressure on your rotator cuff muscles.
Your physio therapist may recommend that you resolve your core dysfunction if they notice that your rotator cuff injury is being triggered by a weak core. Your physio therapist may recommend some specific workouts or activities that you can do in your home or in the gym to assist your core dysfunction and reduce your chronic pain.
Your Rotator Cuff Injury May Be Caused By a Strong Core
As we simply pointed out, your rotator cuff may end up being hurt if your core muscles are too weak. Conversely, your rotator cuff might suffer if your core becomes too strong. Your core muscles are in charge of keeping your spinal column stable and straight. If they become too strong and overwhelm your rotator cuff muscles, your shoulder blades may be pulled back and together.
This can put a great deal of strain on your rotator cuff muscles, which can result in an injury. If your physiotherapist notes that your rotator cuff injury is being brought on by a strong core, they might advise that you do some workouts that target your core. These exercises can assist to extend your core muscles so that they don’t overwhelm your rotator cuff muscles.
Wrap Up
Rotator cuff injuries are frequently slow-healing and require a long course of treatment for full healing. Luckily, physiotherapy has a range of treatments available that are proven to help eliminate rotator cuff pain and promote recovery of the rotator cuff muscles.
But it is essential to get started with your treatment not long after your injury. Extended use of an injured rotator cuff might worsen your discomfort and cause long lasting damage to the muscles and ligaments surrounding your shoulder. Contact Fanti & Associates Physiotherapists to find out more on how physiotherapy can help your rotator cuff.
Call Fanti & Associates Physiotherapists today and we can begin easing your rotator cuff pain. Now scheduling new appointments!