Rotator Cuff Injuries & Chiropractic Care
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What is the rotator cuff and how does it get injured?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and work to keep the bone of the upper arm securely within the shoulder socket. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint which means that it is flexible and has a large range of motion. Unfortunately, a large range of motion comes with a higher risk of injury. Rotator cuff injuries are extremely common, especially among those who repeatedly lift their hands above their head at work or during recreational activities. They can be caused by progressive wear and tear of the tendons or by a significant injury to the shoulder. Certain medical conditions, such as tendonitis, bursitis, and arthritis, may also contribute to rotator cuff injuries. If you are suffering from a rotator cuff injury, you are certainly not alone.
What does a rotator cuff injury feel like?
Rotator cuff injuries can present a wide variety of symptoms. Typically, a person suffering with this injury will experience one or more of the following:
- A dull ache deep in, or at the back of, the shoulder
- Chronic, steady discomfort
- Weakness in the arm, especially when attempting to raise it above the head
- A smaller range of motion on one side compared to the other
- Trouble sleeping comfortably
An untreated rotator cuff injury will usually result in chronic inflammation and consistent stiffness of the shoulder.
How can a chiropractor help with an injured rotator cuff?
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Chiropractic care can be a great step in rehabilitating your injured rotator cuff. A proper adjustment can help to relieve pain and improve range of motion. These injuries often present with pinched nerves which can cause numbness and tingling. The proper realignment of the surrounding bones, ligaments, and tendons can alleviate these symptoms and set you on the path to recovery. A chiropractor may utilize several different modalities in their treatment plan, including:
- Ultrasound waves to promote healing
- Interferential current therapy to stimulate the nervous system and relax the muscles
- Chiropractic adjustments to realign the joints
Following your treatment, your chiropractor will offer you exercises designed to improve the strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint so you can actively take part in your rehabilitation process. Additionally, they can have a conversation with you about how to prevent future injuries if you are at a high risk of recurrence.
If you believe you are suffering from a rotator cuff injury, book an appointment with a chiropractor here: https://harmonychiropracticclinic.janeapp.com/
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OR inquire with any questions you might have here: https://theharmonyclinic.com/contact-us/
