The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that surround the ball of the shoulder and provide rotation, elevation and stability to the shoulder joint. If a muscle tears, there are usually several tendons involved. A tear involving tendons may cause pain, loss of motion and weakness. Gentle stretching exercises can be done to prevent frozen shoulder after a period of rest, but always consult your doctor about exercise before you begin.
Causes
A strain or tear in a rotator cuff muscle might occur from trauma, such as a blow to the shoulder or a fall, or chronic overuse of the shoulder. Risk factors include weak rotator cuff muscles and advanced age-related biological changes. People without shoulder pain or weakness may have a rotator cuff tear that is discovered at a later time. A rotator cuff tear may eventually get larger and cause pain. If you have any shoulder pain, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Injury and Exercise
How long you should wait to exercise after a rotator cuff tear depends on your injury and pain level. Further damage can occur if you do strengthening exercises too soon or any exercise that applies pressure and force to the shoulder. Certain exercises, especially stretching of the shoulder, can increase range of motion and prevent frozen shoulder. Your first priority is to let your shoulder rest, then consult your doctor about rehabilitation exercises.
Treatment
Treatment of an injury such as a rotator cuff tear involves surgical and non-surgical options. Non-surgical treatment involves avoiding using the shoulder for activities that cause pain or that caused the injury in the first place. Apply ice to the area every three hours for the first couple of days after the injury, then apply heat to relieve pain and relax muscles. Physical therapy is also a big part of non-surgical treatment. After a period of rest, you can work with a physical therapist to do stretching exercises and various rehabilitative exercises, to avoid frozen shoulder. Rehabilitative exercises such as strengthening are prescribed as the shoulder heals and when a doctor or physical therapist determines it is not too soon to cause damage.
Prevention
Prevent rotator cuff injuries such as tears by planning an exercise program that allows you to stretch and strengthen those muscles. This is especially important if you have had an injury in the past or are at risk of having an injury. Also avoid lifting heavy objects over your head, use two hands when you do have to lift a heavy object and take frequent breaks from lifting because tired rotator cuff muscles can't properly stabilize the shoulder joint.
