Rotator Cuff Tear

A rotator cuff tear is a tear within the shoulder’s rotator cuff tendons. It can be of varying degrees such as a partial tear or full tear. Repeated rotator cuff injury from strains or pinching can injure the soft tissue resulting in bruising or swelling. This causes a quicker impingement or squeezing of the rotator cuff tendons.

A tear may occur due to :

• repeated microtrauma, and
• trauma.

The most common cause is a repeated microtrauma, which can occur over several weeks, months or years. A traumatic rotator cuff tear occurs quickly, such as from a fall, or under a under heavy load such as when lifting a heavy weight.

Shoulder Impingement

A Shoulder Impingement is more likely to occur if engaging in physical activities that require repeated overhead arm movements such as swimming, golf, weight lifting, or throwing a ball. This repeated movement of your arm through the impingement zone is what most frequently causes the bursa or rotator cuff to contact the outer end of the shoulder blade causing pain.

Occupations involving repeated overhead lifting or working at or above shoulder height, are also at risk of a rotator cuff tear or impingement.

Some postures can also cause impingement. For example :

• Your arm is directly overhead.
• Your arm is working at or near shoulder height.
• A rounded shoulder posture.

Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment – Shoulder Impingement Treatment

Our Sports Chiropractor uses a range of rotator cuff and shoulder impingement treatment methods to help recovery, such as :

• soft tissue massage and friction therapy (ART) of tendons and muscles
• improve the upper spine and shoulder blade function
• rehabilitation program to improve shoulder stability and strength
• anti-inflammatory advice such as ice or heat treatment and or medication
• advice on exercises
• a return to activity plan

Early rotator cuff tear and shoulder impingement treatment enhances the chances of a quick recovery.

Ongoing care may be recommended to assist in the maintenance of shoulder function and for the prevention of future problems.