What is a Rotator Cuff?
Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach your shoulder blade to your upper arm bone. The rotator cuff helps lift your arm and rotate it inwards and outwards. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles: the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, and Subscapularis.
This is a major joint that is used in a variety of motions on a daily basis, which is why an injury to this area can be so debilitating. When any of the muscles or tendons in the rotator cuff are damaged, it can cause a lot of pain and limit your mobility. Small injuries may seem insignificant, but can develop into more painful and serious problems if left untreated. This is why it’s vitally important to seek help when you’re experiencing any form of pain in your shoulder.
What Causes Rotator Cuff Injuries?
There are a few different ways that you can injure your rotator cuff. One of the most common ways is through overuse. This generally happens with athletes or people who have jobs that require repetitive motions of the shoulder and arm. Other causes of rotator cuff injuries include:
- Direct impact to the shoulder
- Falling on an outstretched arm
- Lifting something heavy with your arm extended overhead
Types of Rotator Cuff Injuries
There are a few different types of rotator cuff injuries that range in severity. The most common type is tendinitis, which is when the tendons in the rotator cuff become inflamed. This is often caused by overuse or repetitive motions and can be treated with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. However, if the tendinitis is left untreated, it can lead to a more serious injury called tendonosis. Tendonosis is when the tendons in the rotator cuff begin to break down and degenerate. This is a much more serious injury that often requires surgery to correct.
Another common type of rotator cuff injury is bursitis. Bursitis is when the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the rotator cuff become inflamed. This is often caused by repetitive motions or direct trauma to the area. Bursitis can be treated with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. However, if the bursitis is left untreated, it can lead to a more serious injury called impingement syndrome. Impingement syndrome is when the rotator cuff becomes trapped or pinched in the shoulder joint.
Rotator Cuff Injury Symptoms
There are a few different symptoms that you may experience if you have a rotator cuff injury. The most common symptom is pain in the shoulder that radiates down the arm. This pain is often worse at night or when you try to move your arm in certain ways. You may also experience weakness in your arm and difficulty moving it in certain directions. Another common symptom is a reduction in your range of motion.
How Chiropractors in Columbia Treat Rotator Cuffs
If you are suffering from a rotator cuff injury, a chiropractor can provide you with pain relief and rehabilitation exercises to help you heal. Our chiropractor in Columbia will first perform a thorough evaluation of your injury to determine the cause and extent of the damage. Once they have identified the problem, they will begin treatment.
Chiropractors often use a combination of treatments to help heal rotator cuff injuries. This may include chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, ice or heat therapy, and electrical stimulation. The chiropractor will also prescribe a series of rehabilitation exercises to help you strengthen and stretch the muscles in the rotator cuff. These exercises can be done at home or in a gym and are designed to help promote natural healing of your shoulder and rotator cuff.
The best part about using a chiropractor in Columbia to treat your rotator cuff is that it’s an all natural solution. That means no medications and no invasive procedures.
Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment in Columbia
Chiropractic care for rotator cuff injuries can be highly effective in reducing pain, improving mobility, and helping promote natural healing for your rotator cuff and shoulder. If you’re looking for a treatment option to help you avoid surgeries and medications, chiropractic care may be able to help.
Book an appointment with our chiropractic team in Columbia to get started on your path to optimal health!
