‘Rotator cuff’ is the name given to four muscles that surround the shoulder and hold the shoulder joint in place. Damage to the rotator cuff can cause frequent pain and restricted movement of the arm and shoulder.
Physical therapy is often recommended for pain and restricted movement caused by rotator cuff injuries, and is highly effective in both treating rotator cuff injuries, and preventing them.
Rotator cuff injuries are caused by over use of the muscles of the rotator cuff, such as in tennis, pitching, and swimming; and are also caused by the opposite extreme – not using those muscles enough. Sitting all day at the computer, or engaging on other activities that make use of the arms and shoulder, leaves the muscles of the rotator cuff weak and prone to sprains and tears.
Physical therapy for the rotator cuff can prevent injuries in both of these situations, by ensuring that the muscles are kept healthy and loose, and increasing circulation and blood flow to the area. Poor blood flow both increases the likelihood of injuries, and interferes with the healing process. Unfortunately, the rotator cuff usually has very poor circulation, so physical therapy to increase the blood flow can be very important.
After an injury occurs, physical therapy is also very helpful. The most common injuries to the rotator cuff are sprains and tears. Physical therapy for the rotator cuff can decrease the healing time for sprains, and reduce the pain caused by sprains. Tears are more difficult. It is very rare for a tear in the rotator cuff to heal on it’s own, however physical therapy can reduce the symptoms of a tear, including pain and loss of mobility, and can prevent a tear from getting any worse.
Physical therapy for the rotator cuff will usually consist of a series of exercises that work all the muscles of the rotator cuff, improving strength and flexibility. If you are experiencing pain in you shoulder that does not go past your elbow, you may have an injury to your rotator cuff. A physical therapist will be able to advise you on what exercises and activities will help, and which should be avoided.
