The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that stabilize your shoulder joint and aid in lifting and rotating your arm.
A rotator cuff tear happens when the tendons—tough, connecting tissues from muscle to bone—around your upper shoulder bone come loose. This injury can cause pain and make it hard to move your arm, troubling routine tasks like brushing hair, grabbing things from a shelf, or lifting a bag.
Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears
Frequent overhead movements and certain jobs, like painting, increase the risk of rotator cuff injuries. These tears can develop from ongoing strain or sudden actions. For instance, if you switch to tennis after winter without adequate preparation, you might tear your rotator cuff. Overlifting, excessive arm use during activities like moving, or injuries from a fall or shoulder dislocation are also typical reasons for these tears.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear
Experience a constant, dull shoulder pain that intensifies when you lay down.
Feel discomfort from the shoulder to the upper arm.
Notice a pop or crack when moving your arm.
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Experience shoulder pain during overhead lifts or throws, or even at rest.
Noticeable arm weakness.
Sensation of your shoulder being stuck.
Best Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears
At Stride Physical Therapy, your shoulder specialist will inquire about your pain's history—its onset, whether it was injury-induced or slow-developing, and what eases or intensifies it.
Your visit will start with a physical exam where your Freehold, NJ shoulder specialist will check for pain points by pressing on your shoulder and moving your arm in different positions. They'll also measure how far and easily you can move your arm on your own. An X-ray might be done to see if there are other causes of pain like arthritis or bone issues, although it won't show torn rotator cuff tendons. An ultrasound, which uses sound waves, may be used for a quick and detailed view of your shoulder, helping to direct treatment injections if needed. Finally, to get the clearest picture of your rotator cuff tendons and to check for tears, your doctor will probably request an MRI.
If you have a rotator cuff tear, your Freehol, NJ specialist will likely suggest trying non-surgical options first. This includes resting the shoulder and doing physical therapy to build up nearby muscles. They'll usually not recommend a sling, to prevent a condition called frozen shoulder. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs or getting corticosteroid shots can also ease inflammation and lessen shoulder pain, making movement easier.
Surgical Solutions
If your shoulder pain persists despite non-surgical treatments, consider surgery. This minor procedure uses an arthroscope to examine the rotator cuff for tears. While deeper and complete tears are repaired surgically, shallower ones might just be cleaned. To mend the tear, sutures and anchors reattach the tendon to the upper arm bone, encouraging healing. Post-surgery, you'll wear a sling for 4 to 6 weeks to immobilize the shoulder and protect the repair. Physical therapy follows to restore mobility and strength to the shoulder.
MEET YOUR RECOVERY TEAM
Kanwal Bhardwaj
PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT
Meet Kanwal Bhardwaj, PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT, the driving force behind Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the field, Kanwal brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for holistic healing to his practice. Kanwal's journey began with a Master of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2004. Over the years, he honed his skills and gained invaluable insights during 18 years of service in outpatient physical therapy offices. In 2014, fueled by a desire to deepen his understanding of patient care, he pursued a manual therapy certification (CIMT). This transformative experience allowed him to adopt a whole-body perspective, focusing on treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms...
At Stride Physical Therapy, we're dedicated to transforming lives. With a focus on the root cause of your condition, we're here to help you regain mobility and embrace an active lifestyle. What sets us apart? Our genuine passion for what we do. Let's stride towards a brighter tomorrow together.
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Health Blog
5 Activities To Improve Your Health
Living with constant pain can make the thought of exercise seem impossible. But the reality is, adding even gentle physical activity to your daily routine can significantly enhance your well-being, ease of movement, and general happiness. Read on to discover the benefits of staying active for a healthier, more comfortable life!
The Importance of Good Health
Being healthy is all about your body working at its best, from breathing to blood flow to digesting food. You don't need to be a top athlete - every little thing you do for your body counts toward better health. At Stride Physical Therapy, your physical therapist can guide you with exercises, stretches, and diet tips to boost your health and fitness level.
Physical Therapy Can Improve Your Overall Health Naturally!
Whether on your own or within a full physical therapy program, diverse activities can aid recovery and pain management. Our physical therapist can craft a personalized exercise plan matching your recovery goals if you're healing from injury, uncertain about what exercises suit you, or struggling with chronic pain.
Our expert will evaluate your health condition and goals to recommend the ideal exercises. Combining this with therapeutic techniques like massage, ultrasound, dry needling, hot and cold treatments, acupuncture, or laser therapy can amplify your healing. They work by repairing tissues, soothing inflammation, and alleviating pain, thus enhancing movement and quality of life.
5 Activities to Enhance Your Health
Cycling
Cycling enhances heart health, balance, and leg strength. It’s also lower-impact than running, making it suitable for those with back or knee issues.
Swimming
Swimming reduces the effects of gravity on the body, making it ideal for individuals with arthritis or extremity injuries. Even non-swimmers can benefit from water activities.
Running
Running improves heart and lung health and can reduce pain sensitivity. The "runner's high" offers pain-reducing benefits for chronic pain sufferers.
Weight Training
Weight training builds muscle tissue that supports joints and helps maintain bone density, reducing muscle wastage as you age.
Walking
Walking requires no special equipment and offers low-impact exercise. It improves circulation and benefits weight-bearing joints, especially for those with arthritis.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Good Health
Living healthily requires work, but it gets easier. It's important to eat well, and although exercise may be tough if you have chronic pain, it's key. Opt for physical therapy over medication to tackle pain and lead a healthier life.
Get on Track to Better Health with Physical Therapy
Life is too wonderful to spend it in bed or in a chair. Get up and schedule an appointment with Stride Physical Therapy today. It’s the healthiest move you can make!
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Ready to improve your health and quality of life? Contact Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, and start your journey to better health and a pain-free life.
