Are you having pain in your rotator cuff? Do you have unanswered questions about your rotator cuff pain? Read on to find out about the most frequently asked questions about rotator cuff pain.

WHAT IS ROTATOR CUFF PAIN?

The rotator cuff area consists of the collarbone, upper arm bones, and the shoulder blades. The rotator cuff specifically refers to four muscles that hold the upper arm bones together in line with the shoulder blades. This group of muscles helps with rotational movement; some individuals experience rotator cuff pain when this is misused, injured, or overused or misused.

WHAT ARE COMMON ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES?

The three most common types of rotator cuff injuries include:

  • Rotator Cuff Tears: Muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff can get torn and are classified as partial-thickness or full-thickness tears. Depending on severity, this can result in tissue damage and even a complete detachment of tendons from the upper arm bones. Tears are further divided into acute and chronic.
  • Tendinitis: Also known as shoulder impingement syndrome, tendinitis occurs when the tendons that join the muscles to the upper arm bones become inflamed or irritated.
  • Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when joint cushions that are filled with fluid become swollen and painful. Both tendinitis and bursitis can be caused by sudden injuries, osteoarthritis, repeated overhead movement, and holding the arm in one position for a prolonged period of time.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE A ROTATOR CUFF TEAR?

While some people may realize that they have a rotator cuff tear at the time of the injury, others may only realize it weeks after the fact. Some common symptoms of rotator cuff tears include:

  • Shoulder pain
  • Swelling of the shoulder(s)
  • Limited shoulder mobility
  • Weakness around the shoulder joints

WHAT CAUSES ROTATOR CUFF TEARS?

While there is no one cause for rotator cuff tears, some common risk factors include:

  • Regular Overhead Movements: Athletes who take part in overhead sports such as basketball and baseball as well as physical laborers are at a greater risk of developing rotator cuff tears.
  • Age: Individuals over the age of 40 are at higher risk of developing a rotator cuff tear. This is because of the reduced blood supply that goes to your tendons as you age, which weakens the body’s ability to help them heal.
  • Arthritis: Arthritis results in the weakening of muscles and tendons, making them more vulnerable to tears.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ROTATOR CUFF PAIN?

Most instances of rotator cuff pain can be treated with a combination of rest and physical therapy. However, it is important to be patient, as it takes time to see results. Surgery is only recommended in the most severe cases.

If you are suffering from rotator cuff pain and are tired of living with it, look no further than Excel Physical Therapy to get your body in the best possible shape. Our extensive knowledge and expertise allow us to personalize treatments according to your individual needs, utilizing only the latest treatment techniques and state-of-the-art equipment. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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