Identifying and Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries

An injury to the rotator cuff, or the group of four muscles that help to stabilize your shoulder and allow you to move your arm different directions such as overhead and behind your back, is a common cause of pain among adults. In fact, an estimated 30 percent of adults over age 60 have a rotator cuff tear.

Rotator injuries can occur from a traumatic event like a fall; however, it is also common for rotator cuff injuries to develop over time from repetitive use and age is typically the most common factor in rotator cuff disease.

Injuries can differ in severity from a minor strain to a complete tear.

Common symptoms of rotator cuff injuries include:

• Pain, especially with certain motions of the arm, including when reaching overhead and out to the side
• Pain that keeps you from sleeping on the side where you are experiencing pain
• Decreased ability to move your arm
• Weakness in your shoulder

The good news is that conservative care, including rest and physical therapy, are often all that is needed. Physical therapy will initially focus on decreasing your pain and inflammation. Then, the next step is to restore your shoulder’s range of motion and rotator cuff muscle strength. A comprehensive home program is vital to the success of your physical therapy program and should be continued after physical therapy is complete to prevent further injuries.

If you or a loved one are in need of physical therapy services for a rotator cuff injury, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com/contact-us or call (804) 764-1000 to see how the orthopedic experts at Sheltering Arms Institute can help.