A rotator cuff tear is a common injury that affects many individuals worldwide. It occurs when one of the four muscles in the rotator cuff is torn, leading to pain and reduced mobility in the shoulder. Suffering from a rotator cuff tear can be debilitating, and often patients ask if the pain persists even when resting. This article will help you understand more about rotator cuff tears, whether they hurt when resting or not, and how to manage the pain.
Causes of Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator cuff tear can occur due to various factors, such as sports injuries, falls, and degeneration of the tendons over time. Risk factors of rotator cuff tears include overuse, repetitive arm movement, and bone spurs development. These factors can cause the tendons to weaken and predispose you to tears.
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tear
The most common symptom of rotator cuff tears is shoulder pain that worsens with arm movement. Pain can occur in the front, side, or back of the shoulder, and it can radiate down the arm. You may experience weakness in the affected arm, difficulty lifting objects overhead, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint.
Does a Rotator Cuff Tear Hurt When Resting?
The answer is yes; rotator cuff tear can still hurt when resting. The pain can be mild to moderate at rest, but it can become excruciating when you move your arm or engage in activities that involve the shoulder. Sometimes, the pain can be so severe that it disrupts sleep, leading to reduced quality of life.
Management of Rotator Cuff Tear Pain
Several modalities can help manage rotator cuff tear pain, including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and home remedies. A chiropractor can perform spinal adjustments and soft tissue mobilization, among other techniques, to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve flexibility. Physiotherapy can help strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve joint mobility through exercises and stretches.
When to Seek Medical Help for Rotator Cuff Tear
It is essential to seek medical help if the pain becomes severe or if you experience an acute injury, such as falling on your shoulder. Ignoring pain or delaying treatment can lead to complications, such as frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendinitis, or long-term disability. Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, imaging tests, and recommend treatment options based on your condition’s severity.
Suffering from a rotator cuff tear can be distressing, but seeking medical help promptly and adhering to the prescribed treatment plan can help manage the pain and improve function. Rotator cuff tears can hurt even when resting, and you can seek Kitchener Waterloo physiotherapy or chiropractic care at CARESPACE to alleviate pain. It is also essential to seek medical help if the pain becomes severe or if you experience an acute injury. With proper management and care, you can restore your shoulder’s function and return to your daily activities without pain.
