When it comes to uncomfortable injuries, the rotator cuff is right up there on the high end of the pain scale. It’s common for both athletes and sedentary people of all ages to hurt their rotator cuff, and this type of injury can be rather challenging to recover from.
Sufferers often endure loss of physical function, joint pain, “frozen shoulder”, repetitive strain injuries and a wide range of other common conditions. They may even suffer chronic injury if they don’t receive treatment.
Luckily, there are several physiotherapy treatment plan alternatives offered.
Here are five great reasons that you ought to consider getting your recovery started with a nearby physiotherapist:
You May Require a Restorative Workout Program
Depending upon the exact nature of your rotator cuff injury and whether or not you have chronic pain, you may need to follow a particular corrective exercise program. Your physiotherapist can assist you to recognize your specific rotator cuff issue and establish an unique exercise prescription to resolve it.
It deserves noting that a restorative exercise program is distinct from a workout program designed to assist you return into your regular activities immediately. The latter kind of program can be useful for discomfort management and enhancing your range of motion, however it won’t particularly target your rotator cuff injury.
If you want to make certain your rotator cuff injury is treated effectively, your physiotherapist will likely create a restorative exercise program that’s individualized for you.
Your Rotator Cuff Injury May Require Stretching or Kinesiotaping
Depending on the degree of your rotator cuff injury, you may benefit from some light stretching or taping. For example, if you have a moderate rotator cuff stress or sprain, your physiotherapist may suggest that you try some light stretching or moderate taping just to help alleviate a portion of your pain and tightness.
If you have an extreme rotator cuff tear or your rotator cuff injury is degenerative, on the other hand, your physio therapist might suggest some more extreme stretching or taping. To be clear, this does not always indicate that you’ll need to remain in treatment for hours at a time.
Instead, your physiotherapist may recommend that you do some gentle extending or light taping in your home prior to your treatment sessions and then once again after your treatment sessions.
You May Benefit From Hands-on Treatment for Pain Management
Among the important things that sets physiotherapy apart from other types of healthcare treatments is that it includes a manual therapy element. What this indicates is that a physiotherapist will likely use some form of manual treatment for discomfort management, such as myofascial release (MFR) and joint mobilization.
MFR is a massage-like technique that can assist to release tight tissues, lower swelling and enhance flexibility. Joint mobilization includes physiotherapists using their hands to apply pressure to your joints. Manual treatment can be considerably beneficial for people with rotator cuff injuries.
This is due to the fact that your rotator cuff muscles are connected to your shoulder joint, which signifies that they can get extremely inflamed and unpleasant if they’re not operating the proper way. Manual therapy can assist to relieve your discomfort, enhance your range of motion and help your muscles work more efficiently.
You Could Benefit From Dry Needling and/or Ultrasound Therapy
If your physiotherapist believes that dry needling or ultrasound treatment will be effective for your rotator cuff injury, they’ll likely offer these treatments throughout your sessions. Dry needling is a type of acupuncture. Your physiotherapist will use very fine needles to your muscles.
However, dry needling is in fact made use of to deal with discomfort rather than trying to treat other health problems such as general acupuncture. Your physiotherapist might recommend dry needling if they believe your rotator cuff injury is brought on by or worsened by muscle knots.
If they feel that ultrasound treatment will be helpful, they’ll likely apply it to your muscles. Both dry needling and ultrasound treatment can be advantageous for dealing with rotator cuff pain. Dry needling can assist to get rid of muscle knots, and ultrasound can assist to increase blood flow to the injury area.
You May Require to Address Your Core Dysfunction
Your core is the area at the centre of your body where your back, stomach and hips come together. It’s composed of your muscles, ligaments and your spine. For instance, your core muscles might become too weak, causing them to be unable to hold your shoulder blades together.
As a result, your shoulders will be pulled forward, which can put a lot of strain on your rotator cuff muscles. Your physiotherapist may advise that you address your core dysfunction if they notice that your rotator cuff injury is being caused by a weak core. Your physiotherapist may suggest some specific workouts or activities that you can do at home or in the health club to help fix your core dysfunction.
Your Rotator Cuff Injury May Be Brought On By a Strong Core
As we just pointed out, your rotator cuff might become hurt if your core muscles are too weak. On the other hand, your rotator cuff might suffer if your core ends up being too strong. Your core muscles are in charge of keeping your spine stable and straight.
If they end up being too strong and overpower your rotator cuff muscles, your shoulder blades may be drawn back and together. This can put a great deal of stress on your rotator cuff muscles, which can lead to an injury.
If your physiotherapist notes that your rotator cuff injury is being brought on by a strong core, they may suggest that you do some physical therapy exercises that target your core. These workouts can assist to stretch your core muscles so that they do not overwhelm your rotator cuff muscles.
Wrap Up
Rotator cuff injuries are often slow-healing and need a long course of physiotherapy treatment for complete recovery. Luckily, physiotherapy has a variety of treatments readily available that are proven to help relieve rotator cuff discomfort and promote recovery of the rotator cuff muscles. But it’s important to get started with your treatment not long after your injury.
Extended use of a hurt rotator cuff may worsen your pain and cause long lasting damage to the muscles and ligaments surrounding your shoulder. Contact a nearby physiotherapist to find out more on how physiotherapy can assist your rotator cuff.
Give our skilled team at Full Function Rehab & Wellness Clinic in Woodbridge, Vaughan, ON a call today and we can schedule easing your rotator cuff discomfort and improving your quality of life. Now scheduling new appointments!
