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.
Quick Links
FAQs
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.
Elevate Your Health with Our All-Inclusive Wellness Services!
Take one step closer to a pain-free life with Stride Physical Therapy! Discover medication and surgery-free solutions with our sessions.
Health Blog
Looking to Improve Your Physical Health? Here are 6 Ways Physical Therapy Can Help
Are you struggling because of poor physical health? Your body's fitness is deeply connected to your happiness and mental state. Mayo Clinic research shows that active people often have longer lives and enjoy perks such like losing weight, building muscles, and having better health in general.
It might be tough to start exercising more, but a physical therapist can make it easier. Discover how Stride Physical Therapy's physical therapy can enhance your health:
1. Physical Therapy Treats Both Acute and Chronic Pain
Physical therapy helps greatly with both sudden and long-term pain. MoveForwardPT says that being more active can make you feel up to 28% less pain. When patients know why they hurt and how therapy will assist them, they're more apt to find relief from their pain through treatment.
2. Physical Therapy is a Safe, Natural, and Non-Invasive Option
Physical therapy offers a safe and non-invasive alternative to pain management, reducing the need for pain medications and surgery. It lowers the risk of infections, complications, and side effects, presenting a safer option than opioids and surgical treatments.
3. Physical Therapy Decreases the Risk of Injuries and Cardiovascular Problems
Strengthening muscles and joints through physical therapy can reduce the risk of injuries in everyday activities. Stronger muscles recover faster, decreasing the likelihood of repetitive stress injuries. An active lifestyle also helps protect against major health issues like stroke and heart attack.
4. Physical Therapy Helps Heal Damaged Tissues
A 2018 study by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) found that physical therapy holds promise in treating tissue damage, such as meniscal tears. This suggests additional benefits for other tissue injuries, helping those with injuries or a history of injuries improve stamina and overall function.
5. Physical Therapy Provides Energy Boosts
Physical therapy improves range of motion and activity levels. According to Harvard Health Publishing, increased activity is linked to higher energy levels. Patients with pain often experience greater mobility and energy with less discomfort through physical therapy.
6. Physical Therapy Enhances Mood and Reduces the Risk of Mental Illness
Physical therapy and consistent exercise improve your mental well-being and brighten your mood, says the National Institutes of Health. Feeling better mentally can decrease your chances of suffering from anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Plus, if you're in good mental shape, you're less prone to pain and swelling.
Start enjoying these benefits in your life now!
Physical therapy boosts health naturally, steering clear of drug side effects. Get the full perks safely with a qualified therapist. Choose Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, for better health!
Need more info or ready to book? Visit our site or ring us up. Take the first step towards a healthier, painless life with Stride Physical Therapy.
