Rotator Cuff
Serving the Greater San Bernardino County Area including Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Upland, CA
The rotator cuff consists of the four muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. It serves the important purpose of stabilizing the shoulder and keeping the upper arm bone secure in its socket.
Because the rotator cuff is used when partaking in a variety of tasks involving the arms, rotator cuff injuries are not uncommon – especially in the athletic population. Realistically speaking, however, these injuries can happen to anyone, even while engaging in common activities like lifting heavy groceries or using cleaning equipment.
Rotator Cuff
- What Symptoms Does a Rotator Cuff Injury Cause?
A rotator cuff injury typically involves pain in the shoulder (often described as dull or achy), mild shoulder swelling, trouble lifting and/or rotating the arm, stiffness in the shoulder area leading to reduced range of motion, and a clicking or popping noise or feeling when moving the shoulder.
Those experiencing a rotator cuff injury may also notice tenderness to the touch in the shoulder, discomfort while lying down, and worsening pain while lifting the arm.
- What Causes Rotator Cuff Injuries?
Rotator cuff injuries can be the result of lifting a heavy object incorrectly, experiencing a fall, engaging in repetitive overhead movements, or due to an acute injury or sudden trauma. Natural wear and tear can also be to blame for an injury to the rotator cuff.
- Can I Care for a Rotator Cuff Injury at Home?
Mild rotator cuff injuries can often be managed at home, sometimes without medical care. Home care often consists of icing the area, using over-the-counter pain relievers, engaging in more rest, and modifying physical activities. Maintaining correct posture and partaking in gentle stretches can also help support recovery.
Moderate to severe cases of rotator cuff injuries, on the other hand, often necessitate medical care. Physical therapy and/or surgery may be needed in these cases. Otherwise, long-term issues may persist.
Reach out to your doctor if you’re experiencing severe or worsening pain or other concerning symptoms, as it can signify more than just a mild injury.
- When Will I Recover from a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Recovery from a rotator cuff injury will look different for everyone. It especially depends on the severity of the condition and the level of care you receive.
Mild cases typically improve within two to six weeks. When the injury involves a partial tear, recovery might look more like six to 12 weeks with physical therapy. As for those with a full repair necessitating surgery, they can expect complete recovery at six to 12 months.
- Which Recovery Lab Services May Help?
If you're dealing with shoulder discomfort, Recovery Lab has multiple wellness services that may support your overall comfort and recovery routine. While our options can’t replace physical therapy, surgery, or other medical care, we are happy to offer our services alongside the plan from your healthcare provider.
We offer recovery services like cryotherapy, which may help ease feelings of soreness, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which may support your body's natural recovery processes, and red light therapy, which may support cellular function.
Eager to learn more about the services we offer? Call Recovery Lab today to find out more.
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