You may not realize just how much you depend on your shoulders to help you throughout your day until you suffer an injury. There are numerous ways that someone might suffer an injury of the shoulder; however, one of the most common involves the rotator cuff. If you have been diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury, you might become frustrated because you find yourself unable to carry out your daily routine. You might suffer from chronic inflammation, steady discomfort, and consistent stiffness. The good news is that chiropractic care provides an opportunity for patients to recover from a rotator cuff injury without having to undergo surgery or take prescription medications. There are a few important points that everyone should keep in mind when it comes to rotator cuff injuries.
What Is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Your shoulders are among the most flexible joints in your body. Unfortunately, this flexibility comes at a price. It is also relatively easy to injure the shoulders because of how flexible they are. Any activity or athletic movement that requires individuals to raise their hands above their heads repeatedly could lead to serious shoulder injuries. Some of the most common ways that people injure their rotator cuffs include:
- Repeatedly pitching a baseball
- Regularly serving a tennis ball
- Swimming thousands of yards per day
- Washing windows on a regular basis
- Painting walls for hours on end
Over time, these repeated activities could cause inflammation in the shoulder at least to a rotator cuff injury. In addition, there are a number of chronic medical conditions that could also lead to rotator cuff injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Shoulder arthritis
- Shoulder tendonitis
- Shoulder bursitis
Similar to other injuries, the sooner they are diagnosed, the faster they will heal. Therefore, it is important for everyone to be familiar with some of the most common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury.
What Are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Depending on the severity of a rotator cuff injury, it can present in different ways. Some of the most common ways that a rotator cuff injury might present include:
- There will be a dull ache that is present at the back of the shoulder
- Individuals with a rotator cuff injury might notice arm weakness, particularly when trying to raise the arm above the head
- There could be a markedly restricted range of motion
- Individuals may notice disturbed and disrupted sleep patterns
The good news is that a chiropractor can help individuals rehabilitate rotator cuff injuries without surgery.
How Can a Chiropractor Help with a Rotator Cuff Injury?
The goal of chiropractic care is to place the body in a position to do what it does naturally. By ensuring that the bones, ligaments, and tendons are appropriately aligned, a chiropractor can design a rehabilitation routine that will strengthen the supporting structures around the rotator cuff and help people recover.
Some of the tools that a chiropractor might be used to help people recover from a rotator cuff injury include:
- Ultrasound waves that can calm the muscles
- Electrostimulation therapy that will help muscles relax
- Chiropractic adjustments that restore balance in the shoulder
- Customized exercises that will increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the rotator cuff
A chiropractor will take a look at each rotator cuff injury individually and design a care plan that has been customized to meet the needs of each specific patient.
Rely on a Trained Chiropractor for Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation
A rotator cuff injury can lead to serious quality-of-life issues. Even though you might be considering surgery, it is a good idea to meet with a chiropractor first. There could be alternative treatment options available. So give us a call. We’re here to help!
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