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Rotator Cuff Treatment Prevention andCure
About one third of us will have a rotator cuff injury at some time in our lives, I can't help feeling that if shoulder exercises were part of our daily routine, that number could be greatly reduced.
Eight million Americans will suffer from a rotator cuff problem this year alone. So what is it and how do we sort it out if we do get one?
The rotator cuff is a reasonably small but important group of muscles that help to stabilise the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is made up of a very shallow ball and socket joint. The ball which is at the top of the humerus or upper arm rests on the socket of the shoulder joint that is on the outer edge of the scapula. Think of it like a golf ball sitting on a tee. The muscles of the rotator cuff all run from the scapula to the head of the humerus pulling it into place, creating a cuff of muscle which helps to keep the joint stable and stop it from dislocating every time that we lift something heavy or lift our arm above shoulder height.
Without the rotator cuff muscles it would be very easy to knock the ball off the tee, great in golf but not really what we want with a shoulder joint.
This group of muscles work hardest whenever there is a downward pressure on our shoulder joint. If we are working above shoulder height, lifting or reaching for something they kick in to hold the shoulder together.
Which is why, when you hurt any of them, you get pain when you lift your arm up or out to the side.
As we age these muscles begin to weaken, usually through lack of use so we are more susceptible to this kind of injury once we hit forty, although sportsmen are at risk as is anyone who is continually working above shoulder height, painters and decorators for example.
Fortunately the majority of rotator cuff problems can be solved with exercise. Most rotator cuff treatment will involve rest to allow the tendons to begin repairing, coupled with treatment of any swelling or inflammation with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A lot of the discomfort in a rotator cuff injury is caused by the inflammation where swollen tendons can get impinged or trapped. It is vital to let the muscles heal and the inflammation to reduce before beginning any physical therapy.
Trying to work through a rotator cuff injury will only cause more damage and can even lead to you needing surgery.
Once the inflammation has gone and the pain has settled down you need to do some physical therapy aimed at building up the rotator cuff muscles. You will usually find that within about six weeks, you can get a shoulder back to full pain free movement simply by following a rotator cuff treatment programme.
Once you have, then it is essential to continue with the exercises to make sure that your shoulders stay fit, healthy and trouble free.
Author Resource:-
If you want to know how rotator cuff treatment stopped me needing shoulder surgery check out my story at my blog
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