Strains and injuries to the rotator cuff are one of the most common causes of shoulder problems.
Your rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles that hold your shoulder in its shallow socket while larger muscles move your arm.
Rotator cuff injuries are classified by the amount of damage done to the tendon. A partial tear means that one side of your tendon has been partially frayed. A full-thickness tear, sometimes called a complete tear, describes a hole or slit in your tendon, much like what would be created by running a knife length-wise down a rope. A rupture is the most serious injury and means that your tendon has been torn into two pieces.
Who is most likely to suffer from a rotator cuff injury?
Less than 10% of rotator cuff tears are the result of an acute injury like falling, pushing, pulling, throwing, or lifting.
The vast majority of rotator cuff injuries are the result of repetitive movements over a long period of time. This includes athletes who play baseball, volleyball, tennis, rowing, weight lifting, swimming and archery, and jobs that include carpentry, painting, wallpaper hanging, cleaning windows, and washing/waxing cars.
These types of movements can cause small tears in the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. Over time, these small tears can worsen and lead to larger tears, causing pain and weakness in the shoulder.
We Can Help
Those who have a rotator cuff injury may notice that pain is localized to the front and outside of your shoulder but can sometimes radiate down your arm. Symptoms are usually aggravated by overhead activity and may progress to the point that you have difficulty raising your arm overhead.
Any sign of shoulder pain can be an indication you need to see your local chiropractor. At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness in Saskatoon, we are here to help. If you are dealing with any shoulder pain, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. Our doctors will provide you with the best conservative treatment options for your condition and goals.