Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of shoulder pain and disability, affecting millions of people each year. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place and allow for movemnt. When these muscles are damaged it can lead to pain, weakness and limited mobility.
There are several types of rotator cuff injuries, including:
- Tendonitis: inflammation of the tendons.
- Bursitis: inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs tha cushion the joints.
- Strains or tears: partial or complete rupture of the muscles or tendons.
Rotator cuff injuries are often caused by repetive overhead activites, such as throwing aball, painting or lifitng weights. They can also be caused by a sudden injury, suchas falling or lifitng a heavy object.
If you have a rotator cuff inury, you may experience pain, weakness and limited range of motion in your shoulder. You may also hear a clicking or cracking sound when you move your shoulder. In some cases, the pain may be severe enough to interfere with daily activites.
We perform a full orthopaedic, functional and postural assesment to determine the true caise of the pain. This is important as many of the injuries in this area can show a similar presentation. Sometimes it can helpful to refer for an ultrasound scan to confirm diagnosis. We are able to refer for imaging if necessary and if surgial interb=vention is requred we can refer to a surgeon.
Treatment for rotator cuff injuries usually focuses on releiving pain and restoring mobility. Acupucture can effective treatment option for rotator cuff injuries. Acupuncture involves the insertion of of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and releive pain. It can mprove blood flow to affected area, reduce inflammation, reset muscle spindle legnth and releases endorphins which are natural painkillers.
In addition to acupuncture we often will use other therapies such as rehabilitatvie exercises and myofascial relaease to improve treatment outcomes. We will often also address scapula (shoulder blade) postion and mobility as this can have a major effect on outcomes.
Rotator cuff injuries can be painful and limit mobility but there are treatment options available and we have successfully treated many cases over the years. If you are suffering froma rotator cuff injury please schedule a consultation and find out hw we can help releive your pain and restore your shoulder funstion.