Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common reasons for experiencing pain and reduced function of the shoulder. This type of injury can affect people of all ages and can have a significant impact on one’s life. At Fascia Clinics, our aim is to provide comprehensive and tailored treatment to support the shoulder’s recovery in order to optimally restore its function.
What is a rotator cuff injury?
Function of the rotator cuff
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons that enclose the shoulder joint. The muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis. This complex structure helps stabilize the shoulder joint which has only a single stabilizing ligament, and allows us to perform a wide range of movements in the shoulder, from lifting to performing fine-tuned activities.
Types of rotator cuff injuries
The rotator cuff can suffer from several different injuries. These range from mild inflammation to partial or complete rupture of one or more tendons.
Why do people get rotator cuff injuries?
The role of ageing
Ageing is a natural risk factor because long-term wear and tear of the tendons makes them weaker and more susceptible to injury over time. This is common for people over 40.
Risk factors for rotator cuff injury
Risk factors include overuse of the shoulder through repetitive movements, previous shoulder injuries, and certain occupations or sports that require repeated arm lifting or overhead movements. Poor posture will also affect the trajectory of the scapula, which can increase the wear and tear on the rotator cuff. Heredity can also play a role as a shallow socket can make the shoulder joint more mobile.
Common causes of the injury
Rotator cuff injuries can be caused by sudden falls or direct blows to the shoulder, prolonged or repeated stress, and degenerative diseases that affect the quality of the tendons.
Symptoms of rotator cuff injury
How to recognize an injury to the rotator cuff?
Symptoms include pain when moving the arm in different directions, weakness in the shoulder, difficulty sleeping on the affected side, and a snapping sound may occur with certain movements.
Course of symptoms
Symptoms of rotator cuff injuries may initially be mild and worsen gradually over time, or they may occur suddenly after an injury. Untreated injuries can lead to increased pain and further damage to the rotator cuff.
What is rotator cuff injury a symptom of? What symptoms does it cause?
The relationship between rotator cuff injury and other shoulder problems
Rotator cuff injuries can lead to other problems with the scapula and shoulder joint, such as frozen shoulder, impingement or calcific axis if left untreated. These conditions can further limit mobility and cause chronic pain.
Consequences of untreated rotator cuff injury
Untreated injuries can lead to permanent weakness, reduced mobility of the shoulder and long-term pain. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help at the first signs of a rotator cuff injury.
Diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff injuries
How is a rotator cuff injury diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually based on a thorough physical examination, the person’s medical history and imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI. These tests can help determine the extent of the injury and the appropriate treatment plan.
Non-surgical treatment options
Non-surgical treatment options may include anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, corticosteroid injections, physiotherapy and other specific exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve mobility.
Surgical treatment options
Surgery may be necessary for severe tears or when conservative treatment is not successful enough. The most common types are open and arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery, which involves suturing the rotator cuff.
How we can help you
At Fascia Clinics, we offer a treatment plan based on your specific situation and needs. Our team of fascia specialists will work with you to develop an effective treatment strategy. Our goal is to restore your shoulder function, minimize pain and prevent future injury.
At Fasciaklinikerna, we specialize in seeing and treating the body from a holistic perspective. Fascia treatment is a highly effective treatment method that focuses on treating and maintaining the fascia in our body. The fascia is the network of connective tissue that binds and permeates everything in our body. All cells, tissues (even bone tissue), muscles and organs contain fascia.
Fascia treatment focuses on releasing tension and adhesions in the fascia and increasing its flow. This allows us to have an improved mobility of the body with less pain and improved self-healing.
During the visit, we analyze the whole body to see where compensations and imbalances are and how they have spread. If there is an imbalance in the body, there is a risk that they will spread and affect other structures. That’s why it’s very important to seek help quickly as soon as you get any symptoms. Fascia treatment for a rotator cuff injury involves balancing the body to even out the stresses on the structures around the scapula. A treatment is done both manually and mechanically with gentle vibrations. The vibrations cause the fascia to loosen up and start the flow so that the cells can absorb substances more easily, which benefits the body’s healing ability. The treatment does not hurt and is often experienced as very pleasant.
If you’re suffering from pain or other symptoms of rotator cuff injury, don’t wait to contact us. Book an appointment today to begin your journey towards recovery and a pain-free shoulder.