Rotator cuff tear can cause severe pain.
Your rotator cuff is the covering of muscles and tendons that encase the shoulder joint. These keep the ball of the upper arm bone firmly in place within the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. A rotator cuff tear causes mild and intermittent to severe and ongoing pain and weakness in the muscles of the shoulder.
What is a rotator cuff tear?
Rotator cuff tear or pain can make it uncomfortable or impossible to do everyday activities. This includes brushing your hair, reaching a high shelf or cupboard or even tucking in your shirt. The pain can often worsen at night when they trying to sleep, especially on the side with the injury. You will feel the pain from this injury on the side and front of your upper arm and shoulder. The pain will almost always worsen if you try to move your arm above your head. The pain will often cause sufferers to try not to use their arm as much as possible. This can actually worsen the problem and cause the muscles to become more weak and stiff, leading to frozen shoulder. The degree of pain will be a sign of how severe the injury is and the urgency of seeking sports injury treatment.
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
Minor damage will cause pain only when you are actively using the shoulder. This pain usually goes away when the shoulder rests. Moderate damage will cause pain both during and after physical activity involving the shoulder. You may notice more pain at night as well if you lie on the arm with the rotator cuff tear. You might have a severe rotator cuff tear if you feel very acute pain regardless of your level of activity. This includes when sitting motionless with no pressure on the upper arm or shoulder.
What are the treatments for a rotator cuff tear?
Try using the R.I.C.E treatment as soon as you notice having rotator cuff tear or pain. Rest, ice, compression and elevation. These steps should relieve pain and reduce swelling. The swelling should subside and you will experience less rotator cuff pain. You can then do certain exercises at home to increase the range of motion and help your muscles heal. To avoid future injuries or to prevent your current rotator cuff pain from worsening you should see a sports medicine doctor. Sports medicine can help you heal from your sports injuries naturally. Dr. Bob Meyer at Spinal Rehab Sports Medicine clinic can help heal your rotator cuff injury. He will create a custom sports injury treatment plan and get you back to what you love doing most, fast!