Rotator Cuff Sprain
Our St. George chiropractors take you through a complete evaluation of the shoulder to identify the true source of your pain. After the source is identified, we work with you to loosen the muscles of the shoulder girdle that are tight to take tension off the shoulder joint and help decrease pain.
Our Approach to Low Back Pain
The term “rotator cuff” is a group of four small muscles that hold your shoulder in its shallow socket. These muscles help to stabilize your shoulder, while larger muscles help move it. Strains and injuries to the rotator cuff muscles are the most common causes of shoulder problems, accounting for 4.5 million doctor visits per year. Injuries to the rotator cuff muscles are classified based on the amount of damage.
- Partial tear
- One side of your tendon has been partially frayed.
- Full thickness tear, AKA complete tear:
- Your tendon has a hole or slit, much like what would be if you stuck a knife in a rope lengthwise.
- Rupture:
- The tendon has torn into two pieces.
Less than 10% of rotator cuff tears are the result of a traumatic injury such as falling. However, over 90% of rotator cuff injuries result from repetitive strains over a long period. One of the most common reasons patients develop rotator cuff tears is shoulder impingement created by scapular dyskinesis. Experts believe that 100% of individuals that experience impingement syndrome also demonstrate scapular dyskinesis and upper crossed syndrome.
Those who perform overhead activities are at a greater risk for rotator cuff problems, such as athletes who play baseball, volleyball, tennis, weight lifting, and swimming. Other known risk factors for rotator cuff problems include smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, and prior cortisone injections to the shoulder.
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Strains
Individuals who experience acute trauma to the rotator cuff will report a “tearing” or “snapping” sensation followed by severe pain and weakness. Those who develop rotator cuff problems due to repetitive irritation from impingement will usually not feel any symptoms until the tearing becomes more evident and progresses.
Pain is often localized to the front and outside of the shoulder but can sometimes radiate down the arm. Overhead activities usually aggravate symptoms, and pain is generally worse at night when lying on the painful shoulder.
Our Approach to Rotator Cuff Strains
Our St. George chiropractors take you through a complete evaluation of the shoulder to identify the true source of your pain. After the source is identified, we work with you to loosen the muscles on the shoulder girdle that are tight. This helps take tension of the shoulder joint and decrease pain. Next, we work to strengthen the muscles of the shoulder girdle that are weak. This will result in the shoulder being able to move correctly so you can live your pain free life.
Your Visit With US
We start every visit with a comprehensive movement based assessment to identify any critical contributors to your pain. We then combine muscle release techniques with chiropractic adjustments to help relax your tight muscles and allow your body to move better and feel better. Then, most patients are brought to our rehab area, where we teach you how to extend your session’s benefits at home through stretches and exercises based on your needs and goals.
Visit Crux Sport & Spine today!