Dealing with Rotator Cuff Injuries in Athletes
Athletes constantly use their shoulders. Whether throwing a winning pitch, passing a football, or shooting a three-pointer, your shoulders are part of the mechanics that allow you to excel in your sport. Unfortunately, the constant strain on your shoulder can lead to a rotator cuff injury, but Balance in Motion Physical Therapy offers plenty of options to get you back in the game!
Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that wrap around and support your shoulder joint. Today, we want to explore some of the common rotator cuff injuries that athletes face and explore what our blend of physical therapy and chiropractic care can do to help you rehabilitate.
Keep reading to learn more–or contact our New York, NY clinic for more personalized information!
Three Common Types of Rotator Cuff Injuries
Tendinitis
- Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons in your rotator cuff (the tissue that connects muscle to bone). It typically develops due to repetitive overhead motions, such as serving in tennis or pitching in baseball. Symptoms onset gradually and include pain, tenderness, and limited range of motion,
Shoulder Impingement
- Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder get compressed or pinched during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. It often happens when the arm is lifted overhead repeatedly, causing the space between the bones in the shoulder joint to narrow. This condition can result in discomfort, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion.
Rotator Cuff Tears
- Tearing the muscles or tendons in the rotator cuff can lead to sharp pain, weakness, or difficulty lifting your arm (depending on the severity of the tear). This type of rotator cuff injury can either occur as the result of a sudden, traumatic injury, such as a fall or due to repetitive stress and overuse. Rotator cuff tears are particularly common among athletes who do a lot of heaving weightlifting or participate in contact spots.
Get Back in the Game: Treatment Options for Your Rotator Cuff Injury
If you suspect a rotator cuff injury, early intervention with the team at Balance in Motion Physical Therapy is key! We have a team of physical therapists and chiropractors who will create a personalized treatment program suited to your needs. Here are just some of the techniques we might suggest:
Manual Therapy
- Hands-on techniques, such as joint mobilizations or soft tissue manipulation, can reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote healing by targeting specific areas of tension and inflammation.
Spinal and Shoulder Adjustments
- Our chiropractors may perform careful adjustments to realign the shoulder and spine, improving overall posture and reducing the strain on the rotator cuff.
Range of Motion Exercises
- Targeted stretches and mobility exercises can improve mobility and reduce stiffness, helping regain full shoulder movement.
Strengthening Exercises
- We’ll design a personalized program to strengthen the rotator cuff, which will stabilize the shoulder joint, improve function, and help prevent future injuries.
Prevention Strategies
- We’ll provide customized tips and strategies to help you avoid future issues with your rotator cuff.
Ready to Take Action? Contact Balance in Motion Physical Therapy Today!
Dealing with a rotator cuff injury doesn’t have to keep you on the sidelines. At Balance in Motion Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping athletes recover quickly and effectively. Our expert team will create a personalized treatment plan to get you back to peak performance.
Schedule an appointment today to get started!