Rotator cuff injuries are the most common form of shoulder injury. Four muscles make up the rotator cuff. These muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and the subscapularis. These muscles and their connective tissues form around the top of the humerus, or upper arm bone, the shoulder blade and the collar bone.
Identification
According to "Foundations of Athletic Training" by Marcia Anderson, Susan Hall and Malissa Martin, rotator cuff injuries take two forms. A rotator cuff tear occurs when a muscle or connective tissue of the rotator cuff is injured. Impingement syndrome occurs when two parts of the rotator cuff are forcefully pressed upon one another. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include pain that sits deep in the shoulder and which increases with activity. If left untreated, muscle atrophy can occur.
Range of Motion
With a rotator cuff injury, a "painful arc" of motion is present. An impingement injury will cause this and it is dependent upon which parts of the rotator cuff are injured. When doing range of motion exercises for the shoulder, always work in a pain-free range. As pain decreases, you should be able to increase your range of motion. A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery in 1998 found passive range of motion exercises to be most beneficial after rotator cuff injury and surgery. This study followed 31 patients with rotator cuff tears. Those who were treated with passive range of motion exercises recovered better than those that didn't.
Exercises
Several range of motion exercises can be done to rehabilitate the rotator cuff, according to "Foundations of Athletic Training." Supine shoulder flexion should begin lying on your back. The injured arm should be risen overhead and stretched back. Shoulder abduction begins with the injured arm at your side, then slowly it is pushed up and to the side until a stretch is felt. Shoulder adduction begins with the injured arm down, then reach your hand across your body until a stretch is felt. Internal and external rotation begins with the elbow at a 90 degree angle. Slowly, bring the hand in toward the body and out away from the body until a stretch is felt in the shoulder. An instrument like a wand can help you perform these exercises on your own. You can use this instrument by gripping it with both hands and using the uninjured arm to move the injured arm.
Other Treatments
As you increase your range of motion, you can take other steps to relieve the pain associated with your injury. Over-the-counter pain medications can be helpful. Rest and heat can help with faster recovery. A professional, like a physical therapist, is another good route to explore. Consult with your doctor if you feel the need for additional help.
Considerations
As pain begins to subside, you can move on to greater flexibility and strengthening exercises. Shoulder muscles that retract, depress and rotate the shoulder should be strengthened. When starting these exercises, always begin with a light weight and increase your repetitions before increasing the weight, according to "Foundations of Athletic Training."
References
- "Foundations of Athletic Training"; Anderson, Marcia K., Hall, Susan J., Martin, Malissa; 2005
- Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery: Continuous Passive Motion after Repair of the Rotator Cuff. A Prospective Outcome Study
