732- 494-5999
Book An Appointment
Search
Close this search box.
732- 494-5999
Book An Appointment
Search
Close this search box.
732- 494-5999
Book An Appointment
Search
Close this search box.

Rotator Cuff Tear

Health Plus Physical Therapy Center

Physical Therapy center located at 2114 Oak Tree Rd, Edison, NJ 08820

At Health Plus, we provide tailored therapy services to address various conditions and injuries. Our goal is to help you regain mobility, alleviate pain, and enhance your well-being. With advanced techniques and compassionate care, we’re here to support your journey to recovery.

732- 494 -5999
Book An Appointment

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tear:

A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury involving the tearing of one or more tendons in the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize and provide mobility to the shoulder joint. Whether caused by injury or gradual degeneration, a rotator cuff tear can result in pain and reduced shoulder function. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing this condition.

Anatomy:

The rotator cuff comprises four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) and their associated tendons, forming a cuff around the shoulder joint. These structures work together to facilitate shoulder movement and stability.

Causes:

  1. Trauma or Injury: Sudden impact or force on the shoulder, commonly seen in falls, sports injuries, or accidents.
  2. Overuse or Repetitive Motion: Continuous overhead activities, such as throwing, lifting, or reaching, can contribute to wear and tear.
  3. Degeneration with Age: Gradual wear and tear on the tendons over time, particularly in older individuals.

Symptoms:

  1. Pain: Persistent pain, especially during movement or at rest.
  2. Stiffness: Gradual onset of shoulder stiffness, limiting range of motion.
  3. Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in reaching overhead or behind the back.
  4. Pain at Night: Discomfort may worsen during sleep, affecting sleep quality.

Diagnosis:

  1. Clinical Examination: Evaluation of symptoms, range of motion, and strength.
  2. Imaging Studies: X-rays or MRI to rule out other conditions and assess the extent of frozen shoulder

Treatment Options:

    1. Pain Management:

      • Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: NSAIDs or acetaminophen for pain control.
      • Corticosteroid Injections: To reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

    2. Physical Therapy:

      • Stretching Exercises: Gradual and gentle exercises to improve range of motion.
      • Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles.
      • Heat/Cold Therapy: Application of heat or cold packs for pain relief.

    3. Joint Distension: Injecting sterile water into the joint capsule to stretch it and improve mobility.

    4. Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA):

      • In some cases, a healthcare provider may manipulate the shoulder joint while the patient is under anesthesia to break up adhesions.

Rehabilitation:

Post-treatment rehabilitation is crucial for restoring shoulder function, improving strength, and preventing future issues.

Prevention:

  1. Early Intervention: Seeking medical attention promptly if experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness.
  2. Regular Range of Motion Exercises: Especially for individuals at risk of developing frozen shoulder.

Conclusion:

Frozen shoulder is a challenging condition that may take time to resolve. Patience and adherence to the recommended treatment plan, including physical therapy and pain management, are crucial for managing symptoms and restoring shoulder function. Seeking professional medical advice is essential for individuals experiencing persistent shoulder pain or stiffness.

Related Conditions:

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Frozen Shoulder

Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder Tendonitis

Contact Us

Have Questions?
Get in Touch!

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Book An Appointment