Rotator Cuff Treatment Cure and Prevention

Around thirty percent of us will have a rotator cuff injury at some time in our lives, I can't help thinking that if shoulder exercises were part of our daily routine, that number could be greatly reduced.

Eight million Americans are going to complain of a shoulder problem related to the rotator cuff this year alone. So what causes it and what is the best way to treat it?

The rotator cuff is a fairly small but very necessary group of muscles that help to stabilise the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is made up of a shallow ball and socket joint. The ball at the top of the humerus or upper arm rests on the socket of the joint that is on the outer edge of the shoulder blade. You could think of it like a golf ball sitting on a tee. The rotator cuff muscles all run from the shoulder blade to the head of the humerus pulling it into place, surrounding the shoulder in a cuff of muscle which helps to stabilise the joint and stop it from getting dislocated every time that we lift our arm above shoulder height or lift something heavy.

If we didn't have the rotator cuff muscles it would be very easy to knock the ball off the tee, great in golf but not so good in a shoulder joint.

This group of muscles work hardest when there is a downward force on the shoulder joint. If you are working above shoulder height, lifting or reaching for something they start working to hold the shoulder together.

Which is why, if you injure any of them, you feel pain when you lift your arm up or out to the side.

As we age these muscles begin to weaken, usually through lack of use so we are more susceptible to this kind of injury once we get past forty, although some sportsman are at risk as is anyone who is continually working above shoulder height, decorators, painters etc..

The good news is that the majority of rotator cuff injuries can be sorted out with just exercise. Most rotator cuff treatment will start with rest to allow the muscle to start healing, coupled with treatment of any inflammation or swelling with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A lot of the discomfort in a rotator cuff injury is down to the inflammation where swollen tendons can get impinged or trapped. It is important to let the muscles heal properly and any swelling to reduce before beginning any exercise.

Trying to work through a rotator cuff injury will only make it worse and can even lead to you needing surgery.

Once the inflammation has gone and everything has settled down you need to do some shoulder specific exercises aimed at strengthening the rotator cuff muscles. Usually within around six weeks, you can get your shoulder joint back to full pain free movement simply by following a rotator cuff treatment programme.

Once you have, then it is essential to continue with the exercises to make sure that your shoulders stay fit, healthy and trouble free.