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 Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and How Physical Therapy Can Help
Shoulder pain is one of the most common ailments, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether it's from a sports injury, everyday activities, or age-related wear and tear, shoulder pain can significantly affect your ability to perform simple tasks and enjoy daily activities. At Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, we’re here to help you understand the common causes of shoulder pain and how physical therapy can provide relief.
Physical therapy is a safe, effective, and natural recovery option for those dealing with shoulder pain. Rather than opting for costly surgeries or relying on medications, physical therapy targets the root causes of your pain and helps restore function through customized exercises and treatments. If you're experiencing shoulder pain, it's important to see a physical therapist as soon as possible to get the right care and avoid further complications.
What Can Physical Therapy Do for You?
When you visit Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, our expert physical therapists will first assess your shoulder condition. We’ll identify the exact cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to address it. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, musculoskeletal issue, or age-related condition, physical therapy can help relieve pain, restore range of motion, and improve your quality of life.
Instead of opting for expensive surgery or relying on pain medications, physical therapy is an affordable, natural option that can get you back on track. The goal is to relieve pain, improve movement, and help you recover from your shoulder injury or condition, so you can return to living pain-free.
5 Common Conditions of Shoulder Pain
Shoulders are essential for a wide range of movements, from lifting and reaching to throwing and pushing. However, when something goes wrong, it can lead to persistent pain and discomfort. Here are five of the most common causes of shoulder pain:
1. Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement occurs when the top part of the shoulder blade presses on the underlying soft tissues in the arm, particularly the tendons and bursa. This pressure causes irritation and inflammation, leading to pain, especially when raising the arm. Left untreated, impingement can lead to conditions like bursitis or tendinitis.
2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition in which the shoulder becomes stiff and difficult to move. This condition can occur after an injury or as a result of another shoulder issue. If not addressed, the muscles around the shoulder may "freeze," severely limiting mobility and causing chronic pain. Physical therapy is crucial for preventing or addressing frozen shoulder by improving flexibility and strength in the joint.
3. Bursitis
The shoulder is a complex joint, consisting of multiple components, including the bursa—small, fluid-filled sacs that lubricate the joint. When the bursa becomes inflamed, a condition known as bursitis can occur. This inflammation can lead to swelling and pain, especially when moving the shoulder. Seeking physical therapy early on can help alleviate the pain and prevent further complications.
4. Tendinitis
Tendinitis is a common condition that results from repetitive use of the shoulder joint. Athletes, especially those involved in tennis, baseball, or swimming, and people with physically demanding jobs may be more prone to tendinitis. The condition occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed, leading to pain and restricted movement. Regular physical therapy and rest are essential to recover from tendinitis and prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
5. Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that provide stability and movement to the shoulder joint. A tear in one of these tendons can be caused by sudden trauma or repetitive overuse. Rotator cuff tears are often associated with severe pain, especially when lifting the arm. Physical therapy can help restore function after a tear, whether it's partial or complete, by strengthening the muscles and improving range of motion.
How Physical Therapy Helps
At Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, our physical therapists take a hands-on approach to treat shoulder pain. Through a combination of targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education, we help our patients manage pain, improve strength, and regain their full range of motion. We aim to avoid the need for invasive treatments and ensure long-term relief from shoulder pain.
Our therapists will work with you one-on-one to tailor a rehabilitation plan that meets your specific needs, whether it's recovering from an injury, overcoming a condition like tendinitis or frozen shoulder, or simply improving overall shoulder health.
Contact Stride Physical Therapy Today
If you’re dealing with shoulder pain and looking for an effective, non-invasive treatment option, Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and take the first step toward a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to control your life. Let our expert team at Stride Physical Therapy guide you through a safe and effective recovery process. We’re committed to helping you feel better and get back to the activities you enjoy.
