Torn Rotator Cuff Treatment

The rotator cuff is an intricate part of all that makes up the shoulder. The structure is made up of muscles and tendons, that serve as the connecting bridge between the upper arm bone and the shoulder-blade. Also, the cuff is responsible in keeping the ball in the upper arm bone, intact in the shoulder socket. The cumulative effort of all these, provides the shoulder with the greatest range of motion in the body. As the name suggests, a torn rotator cuff is basically an injury that is incurred by the muscles and tendons, which it is made of. Most often than not, improper physical activities or accidents turn out to be the cause for this injury.

Torn Rotator Cuff Causes and Symptoms

One common cause of the ailment, that experts have found after interrogating most people, is associated with actions that are performed repetitively. Athletes like swimmers, tennis players, baseball pitchers, javelin throw players, shot put players, etc., have frequent overhead movement of their arms, and that too repetitively. With time, this puts stress on the rotator cuff muscles, giving rise to inflammation and ending up in tearing. Even people like carpenters, painters, etc., stay vulnerable to develop this condition. Other causes include normal wear and tear (that increases post 40 yeas of age), improper posture while sitting or walking, and improper or sudden lifting of heavy objects. Also, any accident that may cause the person to fall on his arm, may also cause a tear in the rotator cuff.

There aren't many symptoms caused by a torn rotator cuff, but whatever they are, give a lot of discomfort to the patients. They include weakness in the shoulders, reduced range of motion, and sharp pain in the shoulder (especially when reaching for overhead objects). The affected person also develops a mindset of not to move his shoulders.

Measures Employed In Treating Torn Rotator Cuff

Most patients benefit from dedicated exercises and physical therapy. The patient has to work closely with his doctor and physical therapist. The exercises help in regaining the lost strength of the shoulder muscles. In this way, the patient would be able to increase the flexibility and range of motion. Physical therapy does come in handy, however, the severity of the damage determines the time period required for complete recuperation.

Torn rotator cuff exercises are safe and the most effective, when performed or taken up, under the supervision of an expert. Most people may like the idea of knowing about such exercises from the Internet or other sources. However, it should be known that, merely reading the instructions from a book is way different from knowing about them, under the guidance of a professional. Torn rotator cuff is not a mild condition. One wrong move is all it takes to get aggravated thus, worsening your condition.

In some severe cases, exercises and physical therapy may be combined with a few other treatment methods. This may include taking steroid medications (to reduce inflammation and pain). A rotator cuff surgery may be required, if the tear is too great to be healed by other conventional methods. There is another option that may be chosen for treating torn rotator cuff. It is known as arthroplasty. This is required to prevent the development of arthritis in the long run. It may involve partial or total replacement of the affected shoulder.

There are some simple treatment methods that can be performed at home, in order to manage the condition. These would include resting your shoulder, avoiding painful activities, and avoiding lifting heavy objects. Application of ice packs on the affected part, helps in reducing inflammation and pain. Once the pain subsides after a few days, heating pad may be applied to help the muscles relax.

Rest is essential, but total inactivity also harms. So try to move your shoulder in directions where you do not feel any pain. Equally essential is to keep doing the rotator cuff exercises even after the injury has healed. This can prevent the recurrence of the condition.