Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff tendons are also susceptible to the process of aging. As we get older, the rotator cuff tendons degenerate and weaken. Some symptoms of the rotator cuff injury are:

• Pain or aching in the shoulder, often referring down the side of the arm
• Pain that is aggravated by  lifting with an outstretched arm or twisting (hand behind back / putting on a seat belt)
• Pain with laying on the shoulder at night
• Sometimes a catching or ''arc'' of pain with lifting arm above head
• Weakness / heaviness in the harm with activities
  

Rotator cuff tears can occur if the tendons are overloaded with both repetitive tasks or a sudden movement. A rotator cuff tear can occur due to degeneration alone, or when the weakened tendons are stressed during activities or accidents. Occasionally a calcium deposit may form in the rotator cuff. We call this calcific tendinopathy.

• Staying active as advised by your Physiotherapist and modification of how you use your arm, keeping your shoulder back and your thumb pointing ''up'' with lifting is a good start
• Taping from your Physiotherapist to improve your shoulder posture in the early stage. This assists in teaching you how to use the correct muscles and assists in reducing pain in the rotator cuff
• Gentle exercises to strengthen the scapula muscles and gradually improving the strength of your rotator cuff muscles
• If you have been injured at Work or in Sport, our practitioners have approved conditioning programs that will get you back on track sooner with your tailored exercise plan for your rotator cuff injury