Baseball pitchers have given rotator cuff problems the name pitcher's shoulder because they are such common injuries. You could lift something that is too heavy and tear the rotator cuff. The cuff is designed to pull the arm into the socket so putting too much weight on the arm can damage a weak rotator cuff. A knock or fall in an accident is also a way to damage a rotator cuff.If the injury is as a result of a traumatic event then the symptoms will commence quickly and with no warning. They will include pain when lifting the arm to the front or side, difficulty getting comfortable at night and weakness in the effected arm.
The pain will get worse over time. One simple test that you can do is to have someone push gently on your arm whilst you try to move it up to the side. If this results in shoulder pain you have almost certainly damaged the rotator cuff. If the, Tears, pain gets worse or carries on beyond two or three days see your doctor. An MRI scan can confirm the diagnosis.Rotator cuff problems can also come about through wear and tear. This tends to be as we get older and is more common amongst the over forties but can also present in anyone who does a repetitive overhead movement in their work or sports.
This again will start with shoulder pain but perhaps more general than with a specific injury. This is usually caused by the supraspinatus tendon getting pinched in the subacromial space.In layman's terms, the tendon runs through a channel of bone . This tendon helps you to lift you arm to the side or front. Some of us have a smaller channel of bone than others and are more likely to get this problem. As we age our posture changes which can result in problems. The tendon gets rubbed against the bone and becomes inflamed.
As it becomes inflamed it starts to get trapped and rubbed more leading to a downward spiral as the tendon deteriorates. Left untreated it is possible to wear the tendon right through.Symptoms are similar to above but may come on more slowly with pain gradually increasing as the tendon becomes more damaged. Again it is vital to get an early diagnosis and treatment to avoid severe injury.The good news is that most rotator cuff injuries, caught early enough, will respond to rest and exercise. It is very important to rest the shoulder completely, avoiding any movement that results in pain.
You also need to treat the inflammation with ice and anti inflammatory drugs. Once you control the inflammation the pain will be controlled. Shoulder specific exercises will help to strengthen the shoulder and rotator cuff facilitating healing but should only be done after treating the inflammation. Any exercise that causes pain should, Tears, be discontinued as this is a sign of further damage being done.Rest, Ice and anti-inflammatory drugs and then shoulder specific exercises but always seek professional advice.
And remember to carry on with the exercises once your shoulder is better. If you have had one shoulder injury you may well be susceptible and prevention beats cure every time.
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