Shoulder pain is a common problem for athletes, office workers and older adults. One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach to the shoulder blade and help stabilize the shoulder joint. When these tissues are injured they can tear and cause pain. There are different stages of rotator cuff tear and each stage has its own symptoms and treatments. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the stages and how physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help manage a rotator cuff tear.
Stage 1: In the first stage of rotator cuff tear there is some inflammation and swelling in the tissues but no actual tear has occurred. Symptoms include mild rotator cuff tear pain triggered especially when lifting the arm overhead. In this stage, chiropractic care and physiotherapy can help rotator cuff tears by alleviating pain and inflammation. An experienced therapist may apply ice or heat therapy to reduce inflammation and stiffness. They may also prescribe strengthening exercises to improve shoulder mobility and prevent further injury.
Stage 2: In the second stage of rotator cuff tear there is a partial tear in the muscle or tendon that connects to the rotator cuff. Symptoms include moderate to severe pain, weakness, and restricted shoulder movement. In this stage, physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help decrease pain and promote healing. These healthcare professionals may perform hands-on techniques to release muscle tension and treat the damaged tissues. They may also recommend ultrasound, electrical stimulation therapy, or massage for your rotator cuff tear to speed up the healing process.
Stage 3: In the third stage of rotator cuff tear, there is a complete tear in the muscle or tendon that connects to the rotator cuff. Symptoms include severe pain, weakness, and limited shoulder function. In this stage, surgery may be required to repair the damaged tissues. However, physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help prepare the shoulder joint for surgery and aid in post-surgical recovery. These practitioners may prescribe exercises and stretches to maintain the range of motion and improve the strength of the muscles around the shoulder.
Stage 4: In the fourth stage of rotator cuff tear, there is a massive tear in the rotator cuff, and the muscle may have retracted. Symptoms include constant pain, weakness, and loss of function in the shoulder. In this stage, extensive surgery may be required to reattach the torn muscle. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help with scar tissue management and improve shoulder mobility and function after surgery.
Rotator cuff tear can be a painful and debilitating condition that affects the shoulder joint. Understanding the different stages of this injury can help patients seek timely treatment and prevent further damage. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care can play a crucial role in treating rotator cuff tear, no matter what stage the patient is in. These healthcare professionals can provide a range of treatments to reduce pain, promote healing, improve mobility, and prevent future injuries. So if you’re experiencing shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with rotator cuff tear, reach out to an experienced physiotherapist or chiropractor, and get back to your daily activities without discomfort.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
