Rotator Cuff Tears

Not Frozen Shoulder | Tendon Tear | Shoulder Pain

Shoulder rotator cuff injury involves damage to the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is essential for shoulder movement and strength, allowing for various activities such as lifting, throwing, and reaching. The range of injury can vary from inflammation (tendinitis) to partial or complete tears of the rotator cuff tendons. This type of injury is common among athletes, especially those involved in overhead sports, as well as individuals engaged in repetitive overhead activities or heavy lifting.

Causes of Rotator Cuff Strain

Repetitive Overhead Activities: Activities that require repeated overhead motions, such as swimming, tennis, baseball, and weightlifting, can lead to wear and tear on the rotator cuff tendons.
Acute Injuries: Sudden injuries, such as falls or improper lifting of heavy objects, can lead to rotator cuff tears.
Age-Related Degeneration: As individuals age, the rotator cuff tendons may degenerate, making them more susceptible to injury. This condition is commonly seen in individuals over 40 years old.
Poor Posture: Poor posture can lead to imbalances in shoulder mechanics, increasing the risk of rotator cuff injuries.
Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as arthritis or bone spurs can contribute to rotator cuff injuries by compressing the tendons.
Previous Injuries: Individuals with a history of shoulder injuries may have an increased risk of developing rotator cuff problems in the future.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Strain

Pain: Pain at the top of the shoulder or in the outer part of the upper arm is common. The pain may worsen with overhead activities or lifting objects.
Weakness: Individuals may experience weakness in the shoulder, especially when lifting objects or reaching overhead.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving the shoulder, particularly when lifting or reaching behind the back.
Clicking or Popping Sensation: Some individuals may hear or feel a clicking or popping sensation when moving the shoulder.
Night Pain: Pain may worsen at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.
Swelling: In some cases, mild swelling may occur around the shoulder joint.

Physiotherapy for Rotator Cuff Strain

The most important aspect of treating a rotator cuff strain is to determine the extent of the injury. If there is severe pain and no improvement within two weeks of the injury, especially when raising the shoulder, an MRI is usually recommended. Acute injuries require treatments to reduce swelling and relieve pain, which may include ultrasound and electrical therapy. For chronic conditions, shockwave therapy is recommended to reactivate the body’s healing capabilities, followed by exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons.

Common physical therapy methods include:

TCM Treatment for Rotator Cuff Strain

Common TCM treatments include:

Internal medicine:
Chinese herbal medicine can help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and promote recovery.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture can stimulate specific meridians and acupoints to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote blood circulation.
Orthopedic Reduction: Through manual therapy techniques, the deep and superficial muscles can be relaxed to alleviate low back pain.

FAQ

When Do I Need an MRI?

Before undergoing imaging studies, consider if you have any of the following issues:

Significant swelling that does not subside after the injury.
Weakness in the shoulder muscles that prevents lifting.
Symptoms that continue to worsen.

If any of the above situations occur, it is advisable to seek medical advice early to determine whether an MRI is necessary based on your overall condition.

Does a Rotator Cuff Tear Require Surgery?

The treatment for a rotator cuff tear depends on various factors, including the extent of the tear, severity of symptoms, the patient's age, activity level, and the need for shoulder function.

Here are some considerations regarding the need for surgery:

1. Extent of the Tear:

Partial Tear: If the tear is mild, it can typically be treated through non-surgical methods such as physical therapy, acupuncture, medications, and rest. Most individuals can regain normal shoulder function.

Complete Tear: If the rotator cuff is completely torn, especially for younger, more active individuals or those requiring high-intensity activities, surgery is often necessary to repair the torn tendon.

2. Severity of Symptoms:

If the patient experiences severe pain, significant limitations in movement, or is unable to perform daily activities or work, surgery may be needed to restore shoulder function.

3. Effectiveness of Conservative Therapy:

Before considering surgery, a period of 6 to 12 weeks of conservative treatment is usually recommended. If symptoms do not improve after this time, surgery may need to be considered.

4. Lifestyle and Needs:

Younger athletes or those who perform heavy physical activities may be more inclined to choose surgery to return to their pre-injury activity levels.

For older individuals or those with lower activity levels, conservative treatment may be a more suitable option.

5. Doctor's Recommendations:

Healthcare professionals will develop a treatment plan based on imaging studies (such as MRI) and clinical evaluations. Doctors will consider all factors and provide the best recommendations.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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