Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff group is made up of four muscles (subscapularis, infraspinatus, supraspinatus and teres minor). These muscles play an important role with upper limb and shoulder function and an injury to the rotator cuff muscles typically results in an individual finding it painful or difficult to move the affected upper limb.

Due to the biomechanics of the shoulder and the role the rotator cuff muscles play at the shoulder, injuries can be sustained in a variety of different ways, ranging from acute strains or tears following specific shoulder movements or injuries following overuse.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

  • Pain or weakness with lifting the arm.
  • Painful to sleep on the affected shoulder.
  • Pain referred around the lateral shoulder (deltoid region)

It is important to see your Osteopath for further assessment of the shoulder following a suspected rotator cuff injury to rule out possible referral from the neck or injuries to other structures around the shoulder.

Treatment and management can include:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Over the counter anti inflammatories or prescribed medication by your GP
  • Manual therapy such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, taping and dry needling.
  • Exercise prescription and rehabilitation exercises.

How Can An Osteopath At Principle Four Osteopathy Help You?

  • Your Osteopath will take you through a detailed case history and assessment to help identify the cause of your injury and give you a diagnosis.
  • Your Osteopath will provide you with a treatment and management plan that is appropriate for the injury or condition.
  • This also includes listening to your goals as a client and ensuring that the treatment and management plan is discussed with you and focused towards you achieving these goals.
  • In some cases your Osteopath may be required to refer for further assessment and investigation and this may be with one of our Trusted Professional Network of practitioners.
  • Your Osteopath may provide hands on Osteopathy or provide you with an exercise prescription / rehabilitation program.
  • Your Osteopath will provide you with a treatment and management program that educates and shows you how to better manage your condition through stretching, mobility and strengthening where appropriate.

To find out more about how to better treat and manage your back or neck pain, please call 03 9670 9290 or book an appointment online to see one of our Osteopaths at Principle Four Osteopathy.

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