Shoulder pain for us Jersey folk can be a real pain in the neck (or rather, shoulder). And one of the most common culprits behind this discomfort is a rotator cuff injury. It’s like a sneaky little troublemaker that can creep up on you over time, or it can come crashing in like an unwelcome guest after a traumatic event or a fall.
One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is a rotator cuff injury. Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint, holding everything in place and allowing for smooth and controlled movement. But sometimes, these muscles and tendons can become irritated or damaged, leading to shoulder pain.
Now, you might be wondering how on earth this injury can develop for no apparent reason. It’s like a mystery novel without any clues! Sometimes, the wear and tear of everyday life can take its toll on your rotator cuff. Repetitive motions, such as throwing a ball or reaching overhead, can gradually cause tiny microscopic tears in the tendons. We know that tiny tears are normal in pain-free shoulders too. On the other hand, a rotator cuff injury can also be caused by a sudden trauma or a fall. Picture this: you’re going about your day, minding your own business, when all of a sudden, you slip and take a tumble. Ouch! Or you reach out to grab something to save yourself, and in the process, you yank your shoulder.
But here’s the thing, whether your rotator cuff injury developed over time or as a result of an unfortunate incident, there’s no need to panic. With the right physiotherapy treatment and a little bit of patience, you can get back to living your best pain-free life. Physiotherapy is a non-invasive and highly effective approach to treating rotator cuff injuries. Our clinicians will assess your movement, and strength using a dynamometer, and a host of special tests to help diagnose your shoulder injury. This in turn will dictate the best personalised treatment for you. This will absolutely involve exercises. Not all exercises are the same- some address mobility, some strength, some power and it is imperative your exercises are correct for you. Your treatment may also involve manual therapy, strapping, and lifestyle changes, all with the aim to optimize healing and ease pain. When you complete your care with us, we know that the risk of reinjury is minimised and you will have a plan for how you can stay well!
Sometimes pain-free day-to-day life is not enough, sometimes you want to get back to your sport in Jersey- rowing, basketball, cricket, or netball. Your sport will require you to perform unique specific end-stage rehab so that you are fully fit so that you may confidently return to sport.
So, if you’re experiencing shoulder pain that just won’t go, it might be time to consider that sneaky little troublemaker known as a rotator cuff injury. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. The JSSC physiotherapy team specialise in treating these types of injuries and can help guide you on the path to complete recovery. Book now to start feeling better today.