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A split or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder
comes to be known as rotator cuff injury. Rotator cuff muscles bring
about the movements of the shoulders and the shoulder bones are held
together because of these muscles. These muscles play a very vital
role in keeping the shoulder bones intact. If the rotator cuff muscles
by any means become weak and the head of the shoulder slides away out
of the socket. This happens due the shoulders having shallow socket
and lack of ligaments. It results into dislocation and subluxation.
Pitcher's shoulder, swimmer's shoulder and tennis shoulder are the
other names of the rotator cuff injury. Athletes and sportsperson
usually comes across this injury, as they need to repeatedly move
their arm.
However, there would be definitely a rotator cuff injury treatment
for those suffering from this injury. Nevertheless, prior to that we
need to know the causes and symptoms of this injury. Pain and weakness
in the shoulder or arm are the primary symptoms of this injury. A
minor pain may be caused due to partial tear but a complete tear does
not allow a person to raise the arm. There is a poor blood supply in
some areas of rotator cuff tendons. It is very difficult to heal and
maintain the tissues during normal use. Athletes make hard and
repetitive use of the arms causing tearing and inflammation in the
shoulders. This injury also occurs in aged persons due to lifting
heavy objects.
In case of severe injury, doctors should be recommended. After a
physical examination, a sports medicine physician makes diagnosis.
They also make use of X rays and arthrogram. However, arthrogram is a
painful procedure. Magnetic resonance imaging method is used for this
reason. The primary step taken for rotator cuff injury treatment is
to rest the shoulder and applying ice packs for minor tears and
inflammation.
Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to recover from
rotator cuff injury. In order to regain normal movement, physical
therapy is used. Even then after some weeks if the pain continues the
physician injects cortisone into the affected area. In case of serious
tears, surgery may be required. To confirm the presence of tear in the
shoulder joint an instrument called arthroscope is used. This
instrument can also be used to eradicate the bone spurs in the
shoulder area. A proper exercise program can be followed in order to
strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. This will prevent the shoulder
from slipping out of the socket and the head of the shoulder would be
held firmly in one place.
With the help of free weight program, one can re-strengthen the
rotator cuff muscles at home itself. One should repeatedly do the
exercises using 15 pounds as maximum weight. A physical therapist may
suggest exercise program, which the injured should follow
regularly. Exercises prove to be quite beneficial for the rotator cuff
injury. A simple exercise can prove to be effective to cure maximum
rotator cuff problems.
Rotator cuff injury occurs suddenly and creates many problems to
the person. Therefore, it is better one takes precautions prior to
the occurrence of this injury. Developing shoulder strength and
avoiding repetitive overhead arm movements is the best rotator cuff
injury treatment.
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