Shoulder pain... have you heard of your rotator cuff?

Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints that we see in the clinic. There are 2 main reasons for this:

1. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint and therefore is extremely mobile; and

2. We use the shoulder for nearly everything we do.

What is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles that stabilise the shoulder joint while it is moving. They are only small muscles, but they punch above their weight when is comes to movement and stability of the shoulder. Whenever your arm is moved away from your body, the rotator cuff muscles work hard to keep the ball positioned nicely within the socket. As a result of the constant work they are doing, the rotator cuff muscles are susceptible to injury.

What does rotator cuff pain feel like?

• Dull, aching pain in the shoulder, especially when reaching overhead or behind the back.

• Pain at night – particularly when sleeping on the affected side.

• Limited range of motion and stiffness.

• Weakness and instability in the shoulder joint.

How it is managed?

While rotator cuff injuries can be debilitating, there are strategies to manage and alleviate the associated pain.

1. Rest and modify your activity: Avoid movements that make the pain worse, especially repetitive overhead activities. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises that maintain shoulder mobility without causing further strain.

2. Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice packs to the shoulder can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Heat therapy, such as a wheat bag, can promote blood flow and relaxation of the muscles. Your Physio will assist you in choosing which is the most appropriate for your injury.

3. Home exercises: Prescribed exercises will help to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, improving your shoulder stability, and helping to restore functional movement.

4. Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications or corticosteroid injections for more severe pain. Talk to your GP, pharmacist or Physio for advice.

If you have been experiencing shoulder pain, get in touch with one of our Physio's. We will assess what is causing your discomfort and guide you through the rehabilitation process.