From sore shoulders to torn tendons, all the way to a complete rotator cuff tear, inflamed shoulders can be quite painful. When you have these symptoms, it is quite important that you begin proper treatment to repair said damage. The following is an explanation and some suggestions for shoulder care.
What is the rotator cuff, anyway?
The humeris bone (that long bone of the upper arm) ends at the top in a ball shape. This ball sits in a socket formed on the end of the scapula (shoulder blade). So, the shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint and the rotator cuff is the set of muscles that keep socket intact. The mnemonic "SITS" is an excellent way to remember which muscles are involved: the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and Subscapularis. These four muscles are attached to the scapula. They turn into tendons, which in turn attach to the humerus. The tendons of these four muscles make up the "rotator cuff" and provide the stability necessary for the shoulder.
What are some rotator cuff problems?
Injury to the rotator cuff can come from:
While surgery may be necessary, it is only meant as a last resort measure. Prior to a surgical determination, doctors will often prescribe an individualized program of physical therapy treatment. Stretches and strengthening exercises, along with education, application of ice, anti-inflammatory and pain medications and even a shot of cortisone may be involved in a given treatment plan. So there is much that can be done without the need for surgery--IF treatment is sought before a rotator cuff tear classification of massive is determined. In other words, early treatment is easier and even cheaper, but it's got to be done before the worst damage happens.
Arthroscopic surgery, or an open shoulder procedure, may be required if the damage is excessive and has gone untreated. Prevention is the key here and education a well-received help. You can find rotator cuff solutions at Rotator Cuff Solution. This article is not meant as medical advice. Please seek a physician's attention if you are suffering.
What is the rotator cuff, anyway?
The humeris bone (that long bone of the upper arm) ends at the top in a ball shape. This ball sits in a socket formed on the end of the scapula (shoulder blade). So, the shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint and the rotator cuff is the set of muscles that keep socket intact. The mnemonic "SITS" is an excellent way to remember which muscles are involved: the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and Subscapularis. These four muscles are attached to the scapula. They turn into tendons, which in turn attach to the humerus. The tendons of these four muscles make up the "rotator cuff" and provide the stability necessary for the shoulder.
What are some rotator cuff problems?
Injury to the rotator cuff can come from:
- A sudden impact, like a fall or fast movement (like throwing a baseball when a person is not used to that particular activity)
- Overuse, as when performing sports--baseball, tennis, swimming
- Excessive and improper weight training, i.e., too much weight during bench pressing or overhead pressing and not allowing for an adequate recovery time. The SITS muscle group are small muscles. When strength training them, it is vital that you not overtrain them nor use too heavy of weights. Placing an inordinate strain on them leads to injury
- Too much pulling, not enough pushing, i.e., prolonged imbalance of movements
- Very often, people feel pain in the shoulder at night, while sleeping
- Lifting the arm can be excruciating
- A general feeling of weakness may exist in the shoulder
- A feeling of grating are "catching" may be present
- Limited range of motion, due to pain, may prevent raising the arm over the head
While surgery may be necessary, it is only meant as a last resort measure. Prior to a surgical determination, doctors will often prescribe an individualized program of physical therapy treatment. Stretches and strengthening exercises, along with education, application of ice, anti-inflammatory and pain medications and even a shot of cortisone may be involved in a given treatment plan. So there is much that can be done without the need for surgery--IF treatment is sought before a rotator cuff tear classification of massive is determined. In other words, early treatment is easier and even cheaper, but it's got to be done before the worst damage happens.
Arthroscopic surgery, or an open shoulder procedure, may be required if the damage is excessive and has gone untreated. Prevention is the key here and education a well-received help. You can find rotator cuff solutions at Rotator Cuff Solution. This article is not meant as medical advice. Please seek a physician's attention if you are suffering.
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