Shoulder pain is a common pain for many adults in the U.S., often caused by tears or injuries to the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder that gives the shoulder its wide range of motion and gives the shoulder its stability. The rotator cuff tendon attaches to the top of the humerus, attaching the 4 muscles of the rotator cuff. This is usually where a tear happens.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
A tear in the rotator cuff tendon can be a result of a sudden injury or can happen with overuse or, quite commonly, it simply happens as our bodies age. As we get older, our muscles and tendons lose their elasticity with makes elderly patients more susceptible to rotator cuff injuries and as well as a host of other injuries.
Rotator cuff injuries due to overuse can happen in sports such as swimming or playing tennis where there is a lot of over-the-head arm movement. There are also many occupations where rotator cuff injuries are more common like painting walls, carpentry, or washing windows, again, anywhere that workers often work with their arms above their heads.
These types of shoulder injuries can also occur during a fall or a blow to the shoulder like what happens in auto accidents.
Symptoms for rotator cuff injuries include pain in the area, weakening in the shoulder, and the inability to move the arm the way you once could.
Treatments
Although surgery to repair rotator cuff tears is common, most rotator cuff tears do not require surgery. Usually, other treatments like chiropractic care and exercises are recommended first before resorting to a more invasive surgery unless the patient is younger and the reason for the tear was some kind of sudden trauma and not degenerative or work-related. With the right treatment plan, patients with tears can achieve an increase in range of motion, reduced pain and stiffness, and reduced build-up of scar tissue.
Chiropractic treatments can greatly benefit patients with rotator cuff injuries. Depending on the extent of the injury, the chiropractor may recommend different treatment options. Aside from gentle manipulations, chiropractic treatments for this type of shoulder pain can include heat and ice treatments and electric muscle stimulation.
By having a chiropractor treat your rotator cuff injury, you can re-establish movement which can allow you to be more active and lead a healthier lifestyle that improves your quality of life.
If you are suffering from shoulder problems or other aches and pains give North County Pain Relief a call at (314) 731-4201 to schedule a consultation and examination. North County Pain Relief is a full-service chiropractic care facility located in St. Louis that treats patients young and old with a holistic belief in whole-body health. Our caring staff will guide you through the process as we determine the best treatment for you so you can get back to a life without shoulder pain and without the need for surgery or strong painkillers. Call us today!
