Physical Therapy For Rotator Cuff Pain
When you suffer from a shoulder injury, it is essential to receive the appropriate treatment. This will help relieve your symptoms, keep the injury from getting worse, and heal the pain so you can return to daily activities.
Physical therapy is often the best treatment for rotator cuff injuries, and your doctor may suggest it. It works to strengthen your shoulder muscles and increase mobility in order to reduce symptoms and avoid future issues from arising.
Therapists can also teach you ways to avoid situations that could aggravate the injury, such as lifting heavy objects or performing certain movements. They will use ice, massage, and other forms of therapy to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
As part of your initial physical therapy for rotator cuff pain, you’ll begin by stretching and doing range-of-motion exercises. These movements can increase flexibility and strength in your shoulder joint, which in turn will reduce strain on its tendons.
Once your range of motion has been increased, your therapist can progress to strengthening exercises. These may include various options that target both the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles.
If you have a rotator cuff tear, it is critical to get medical help as soon as possible. Doing so can speed up your recovery and help avoid permanent damage.
The initial step in physical therapists’ treatment plans for rotator cuff tears is a thorough evaluation. This involves testing your range of motion, inspecting the structure of your shoulder and arm, as well as taking X-rays or MRIs to pinpoint the problem.
Your physical therapist will use these tests to diagnose whether or not you have a rotator cuff injury and what type of therapy is most suitable. If they suspect it’s serious, they may refer you to a specialist.
Another test for a rotator cuff tear is an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although more expensive than an X-ray, this provides a detailed picture of the affected shoulder and its structures.
After receiving an MRI or ultrasound, your physical therapist will create a treatment plan tailored to the rotator cuff and surrounding muscle tissue. They’ll also collaborate with you on developing an at-home exercise program so that you can continue making progress even after physical therapy appointments are over.
Once your therapist has developed a physical therapy treatment plan, you’ll continue meeting with them regularly for appointments. These may include both group and one-on-one sessions.
Your therapist will gradually add range-of-motion and strength-building exercises to your program as necessary, in order to get you back doing the activities that you enjoy without further straining your injured rotator cuff.
Your therapist can also teach you ways to avoid repeating certain activities that could aggravate your rotator cuff injury, such as lifting heavy objects or performing certain motions. Furthermore, they may provide advice on proper sleep and ergonomics which will keep your shoulders and body strong and healthy.