Rotator cuff strain is a stretch or a tear of the rotator cuff tendon or muscle belly. Grade of the strain depends on the amount of fibres damaged, degree of pain and strength of muscle contraction. There are many reasons for Rotator cuff injury, but most commonly;
- Acute Trauma – Fall on out stretched hand
- Prolong repetitive overuse of muscle / tendon over a short period of time.
- Lifting or pulling
- Pre – existing impingement syndrome.
Who does it most affect?
It’s estimated that around 30% of the population suffer with rotator cuff injuries but is more common in people who predispose to the risk factors, which include;
- Motions that require repeated overhead motions or forceful pulling motions.
- Sports injuries or trauma.
- Athletes – especially those making repetitive motions
- Baseball
- Swimmers
- Volleyball
- Boxers
- Tennis
- Poor nutrient, reduced strength or flexibility and previous injury.
Degenerative rotator cuff strain is more common in elderly.
Where does it most affect your life?
Rotator cuff injury can vary from person to person depending on severity and mechanism of injury.
However, you may suffer with pain over shoulder, popping or tearing sensation at time of injury, weakness , loss of strength and pain at night – which will affect your sleep.
What can we do to help?
There are many things we can do here at ProHealth between the chiropractors and sports therapist / rehabilitators, to help with rotator cuff strain. Massage therapy, mobilisations and rehabilitation are a few.
Making sure mid back and neck are working correctly is important for progress too.
What can you do to help / prevent?
- Making sure you participate in an adequate warm up prior to sports.
- Wear properly fitted and appropriate protective equipment during contact sports.
- Complete rehabilitation of previous injuries.
- Improve technique, avoid aggravating activities and overuse.
At this moment in time it is not possible to see patients in the clinic, however if you want more information on how you can utilise our online service, please email the clinic: info@prohealthchiropractic.co.uk
