What is a rotator cuff tear, and how can physical therapy help me?
Rotator cuff tears can be sudden and painful. However, if you’ve suffered from this type of injury, you aren’t alone! Rotator cuff tears affect more than three million people in the United States annually, making them one of the most common types of injuries.
While the most severe injuries may require attention from a physician, physical therapy is often the best way to gain back strength and range of motion after an injury. Treatment will include strategies like focused exercises, massage, and equipment to help restore your shoulder’s functions.
If you or anyone you know has suffered from a rotator cuff tear, contact our Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness therapists today!
What is the rotator cuff?
Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder. The purpose of the rotator cuff is to support the joints and permit movement while maintaining stability. When there’s an issue with your rotator cuff, daily tasks and functions become increasingly difficult because of excess stress on your shoulders.
Causes of a rotator cuff tear
Injury and degeneration are the two leading causes of rotator cuff tears. Additionally, strenuous physical activities may cause a tear to develop over time. The rotator cuff’s vital function is to maintain the stability of the shoulder joint. Trauma to the area, such as a fall, sports injury, repetitive arm motions, or heavy lifting, can irritate or cause inflammation to the rotator cuff, causing a tear.
A broken collarbone or dislocated shoulder can also cause the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tears commonly occur over time as the tendon experiences overuse and wears down. This type of injury often occurs with age.
Other causes include:
- Bone spurs: Bone spurs are bony formations that occur along bone edges. When this happens, your tendons become irritated from rubbing and friction. Eventually, a rotator cuff tear may occur.
- Decreased blood flow: As we age, blood flow to the rotator cuff declines. However, your muscles and tendons require a healthy blood supply to repair and function normally.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear
Rotator cuff tear symptoms are generally the same for each patient; however, they can range in severity. The most common and easily detectable symptoms are:
- Recurrent pain
- Limited ability to move your arm
- Muscle weakness
- Joint stiffness or tenderness
- Difficulty and pain when raising your arm
- Popping or clicking sounds while moving your arum
Evidence supporting physical therapy to treat rotator cuff injuries
Studies have shown that after physical therapy treatment, patients with rotator cuff injuries saw significant improvements in their range of motion, pain management, and other accompanying symptoms.
What can physical therapy do for my injury?
Physical therapy is highly beneficial for improving rotator cuff tear symptoms without requiring surgery or medications. A few expectations of physical therapy include the following:
- Restoring your range of motion
- Learning strengthening exercises
- Reducing pain
- Improving sleep
- Learning to lift and carry objects safely
- Using modalities to ease the pain
- Educating you on your condition
- Easing back into daily activities
Your physical therapist will begin with a comprehensive assessment in which your PT will observe your symptoms and design a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. During the consultation, you and your physical therapist will discuss the cause of your injury, your medical history, general health, and any questions or concerns you may have.
