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Shoulder pain from a rotator cuff injury is incredibly common, but that doesn't mean you have to live with it. Many people describe it as a constant, dull ache, not realizing that the right kind of help can make a big difference.
At Renew Wellness, our team of physiotherapists specializes in treating shoulder pain and injuries, including rotator cuff injuries. We often hear from patients about shoulder pain that gets in the way of their daily life, from sleeping to simple chores. We start by carefully checking how your shoulder moves and feels.
If needed, we can help guide you on whether seeing a doctor for a scan might be useful to understand the injury better.
Do You Have a Rotator Cuff Injury? Common Signs Include:
- Pain in your shoulder and upper arm that gets worse when you use it
- More pain at night, especially when you lie on that side
- Trouble sleeping because your shoulder hurts
- Difficulty with everyday tasks like reaching overhead to get a mug or behind your back to put on a jacket
- Your shoulder feels weak or painful when you try to lift something
5 Things to Know About Rotator Cuff Injuries
1. Your Shoulder is a Complex Ball-and-Socket Joint.
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. They attach the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade, allowing you to lift and rotate your arm. When these tendons are injured or damaged, it can lead to inflammation and significantly painful, restricted movement.
2. Age is Often a Factor.
While rotator cuff injuries are common in athletes, they happen to anyone, especially people over 50. Most often, it happens from natural wear and tear as a result of staying active and in shape over the years, or suddenly from a single event like a slip and fall.
3. Effective Treatment Ranges from Conservative to Surgical.
The good news is that many rotator cuff injuries can get better without surgery (conservative care). Smaller injuries can be effectively treated through physiotherapy, targeted exercises, rest, and anti-inflammatory strategies. For more severe cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to manage pain during rehabilitation. Surgery is typically considered only when all other non-invasive treatments have failed to provide relief.
4. Recovery is a Personalized Journey.
Recovery time varies greatly depending on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment path. The goal is to safely return you to your activities when you are free from pain, have restored a full range of motion and strength in your arm, and can sleep through the night without disruption.
5. Prevention Focuses on Strength and Flexibility.
Although there's no guaranteed way to prevent a shoulder injury from happening again, maintaining shoulder strength and flexibility is your best bet. A tailored exercise program from a physiotherapist can help protect the shoulder muscles and improve joint health.
Remember
It's widely understood in the medical community that many rotator cuff injuries are degenerative in nature, meaning they can develop over time with use and age. The continuous stress of daily activities or minor injuries can contribute to a tear.
At Renew Wellness, we’re here to figure out what’s going on and create a clear plan to help you heal, get stronger, and get back to doing what you love without pain.
If your shoulder has been bothering you, take the first step. Contact Renew Wellness today to book a consultation and start feeling better.
