The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that form a tendon that wraps around the shoulder joint. It plays a vital role in stabilizing the shoulder and allowing for proper ranges of motion. Injuries to the rotator cuff are common, especially among those engaged in repetitive overhead activities like sports, painting, or manual labour. As a chiropractic clinic in Vancouver, True Health Studio sees many patients experiencing rotator cuff problems. This blog post will explain what causes rotator cuff injuries, their symptoms, and how chiropractic rehabilitation can help.
What Causes Rotator Cuff Injuries?
There are a few common causes of rotator cuff injuries. Repeated overhead motions can lead to microtears in the tendons over time from overuse. Sudden trauma from a fall on an outstretched arm is another cause. Typical aging processes can also weaken the rotator cuff muscles, making them more prone to injury. Impingement, where the tendon gets squeezed between the head of the humerus bone and the acromion process of the scapula, is a frequent cause of pain and discomfort.
Chiropractors in Vancouver see many patients with rotator cuff problems stemming from car accidents and whiplash injuries, too. The neck and shoulder region sustain significant impacts in collisions that can result in tears, strains, or impingement syndromes of the rotator cuff. Workplace injuries from falls or repetitive lifting are another cause that may require chiropractic treatment and rehabilitation.
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries
Some common signs that someone may have injured their rotator cuff include shoulder pain worsened with overhead activities or lifting. There may also be weakness, stiffness, clicking noises, or trouble sleeping on the involved shoulder. Some experience pain radiating down the arm. Chronic rotator cuff injuries may lead to loss of range of motion over time if not adequately addressed.
How Chiropractors in Vancouver Treat Rotator Cuff Problems
Our chiropractors will first perform an exam to determine the nature and severity of the rotator cuff injury. This includes evaluating a range of motion and muscle strength and conducting specific orthopedic tests. Chiropractic care primarily focuses on restoring proper motion and function to the shoulder joint through manipulative techniques and exercise rehabilitation.
Specific chiropractic adjustments are given to reduce muscle spasms, decrease pain signals, and improve biomechanics. Patients also receive soft tissue therapies such as myofascial release to eliminate knots and adhesions in the shoulder muscles.
Rehab Exercises Are Key to Chiropractic Recovery
A personalized home exercise program is a significant part of any chiropractic treatment plan for rotator cuff injuries. Stretches and strengthening moves target the rotator cuff muscles, scapular stabilizers, and surrounding areas. Examples include external rotations, resisted internal rotations, cross-body adduction, and scapular retractions.
More advanced exercises gradually improve strength, endurance, and functional abilities as the injury responds. Patients learn to identify and correct patterns of poor posture and biomechanics that may have also contributed to their condition. Once rehab is complete, this helps prevent future recurrences. Positive outcomes depend on dedication to the prescribed rehab routine.
When is Surgery Needed?
Conservative chiropractic care combined with rehabilitation exercises is adequate for most minor to moderate rotator cuff injuries. Surgery is usually reserved for complete tears that fail to improve after several months of non-surgical treatment. Our chiropractors in Vancouver can determine if a patient’s situation requires surgical consultation based on exam findings and progress made.
Choose the Experts
Rotator cuff injuries are exceedingly common but can usually be managed successfully with chiropractic care and rehabilitation. True Health Studio’s experienced chiropractors are well-versed in evaluating, treating, and rehabbing these shoulder injuries through manual therapy and customized exercise plans. We welcome patients with rotator cuff problems to experience our practical, drug-free approach.
