How to Care For a Rotator Cuff Injury
By Dr. Richard Bernier, P.T.
How the Shoulder Works
The shoulder is a complex joint with great mobility and strength. It is comprised of three bones, the shoulder blade, collar bone and the upper arm bone or humerus The primary muscles responsible for moving the shoulder are the deltoids, latissimus, pectorals and a group of four small muscles collectively known as the rotator cuff. The biceps and triceps also play a lesser role.
Many shoulder injuries affect the rotator cuff. It is formed by four muscles attached at one end to the shoulder blade and at the other as a common tendon to the humerus. Its primary function is to control the movement of the large ball of the humerus in the smaller acromial socket. When moving the shoulder, the ball must maintain an orientation in the socket. If it does not, a subluxation, or a dislocation may occur. It is the rotator cuff's responsibility to prevent this from happening.
By contracting at precise moments, the rotator cuff holds the ball in place while the other larger muscles move the joint, allowing throwing, reaching, punching and many other actions. It should be clear by now that an injury to the rotator cuff would have a serious impact on activity.
Providing Physical Therapy for a Rotator Cuff Injury
In the course of a day at a physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic, a physical therapist may treat a variety of rotator cuff injuries, ranging from tendonitis to partial and complete tears, some even requiring surgical repair.
A tendonitis, or inflammation, is very painful and will inhibit the rotator cuff from functioning properly. The physical therapist may use therapeutic ultrasound, tissue mobilization, range of motion and other therapeutic exercises to reduce inflammation and pain, while restoring functional mobility.
Tears that are not repaired require strengthening of the other muscles of the shoulder to maintain balance around the joint. Tears that are surgically repaired require gentle range of motion by the therapist. As the repair heals, the therapist will introduce exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and increase proper mechanics and function.
While rotator cuff injuries are common, they are not the only injuries the shoulder may acquire. Bursitis, dislocations and tears to cartilage or fractures may occur.
If you throw too hard or perform repetitive movements and your shoulder hurts, seek medical advice. If physical therapy is appropriate, contact Bernier Physical Therapy Associates, Inc. and let our experienced and professional staff assist in your recovery. Our team is available for a free 15-minute consultation, by appointment, over the phone or in person. Call our office at 978-465-2862 in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
(Dr. Richard Bernier, PT has more than thirty-one years of experience dealing with musculoskeletal disorders. Dr. Bernier, PT incorporates many different techniques appropriately tailored to each individual's needs.)
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