Rotator Cuff Injury and Treatment Options
Just like any other muscle, if damage occurs to the rotator cuff, an individual will experience pain, weakness in that arm, and a loss of flexibility.
What is a rotator cuff?
The “Rotator Cuff” is the name given to a group of muscles that surround your shoulder joint, these muscles help you to lift and rotate your arm, and provide stability to your shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is composed of four muscles: subscapularis, teres minor, supraspinatus and infraspinatus.
Common injuries to the rotator cuff include rotator cuff tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons of any of the rotator cuff muscles), rotator cuff tendinosis (chronic tendon injuries), and/or rotator cuff tears.
There are two different types of rotator cuff tears:
Partial Thickness Tear
Also called an incomplete tear, the tendon is damaged or frayed, but still intact.
Full-Thickness Tear
Also called a complete tear, the tendon has separated from the bone completely and can no longer operate properly Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Dysfunction.
Recognizing a
Rotator Cuff Injury
Pain in the shoulder, shoulder blade or upper arm regions
Pain at rest or at night, especially when lying on the affected arm
Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
“Cracking” sensations when moving your arm or shoulder in certain directions
A sudden “snapping” if the rotator cuff injury occurs as a result of a traumatic episode (fall, contact sports, etc)
What causes a Rotator Cuff Injury?
A rotator cuff injury can be caused by an acute/traumatic episode, or can gradually occur over time. Acute tears are usually caused by a fall on an outstretched arm, car accidents, or lifting a heavy object. Acute tears can also occur in conjunction with other shoulder injuries such as a shoulder dislocation or broken collarbone.
Degenerative tears occur over time and are usually caused by prolonged or repeated movements with poor posture and/or poor alignment of the shoulders. Common examples include; repetitive reaching, throwing a ball (baseball players), weightlifting, use of computer keyboard/mouse in an improper way, gardening and completing household chores in an improper way.
As we age, it is known that our tendons receive less blood supply in most regions of the body. As the blood flow to the rotator cuff decreases, the odds of an injury occurring are greater.
At Pillars of Wellness, we offer a full range of physiotherapy treatments using evidence-based techniques to promote faster recovery. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Prevention
People over the age of 40 are at an increased likelihood to sustain a rotator cuff injury. However; regular stretching and strengthening of these muscles, avoiding abnormal postures and avoiding repeated, prolonged movements of the shoulders will be the best course of action to prevent a rotator cuff injury. Certain occupations are at a greater risk for sustaining an injury, including:
- 5People who do repetitive lifting.
- 5People who frequently lift or use objects overhead; painters, electricians, carpenters, construction workers.
- 5Athletes; tennis, baseball players, weightlifters.
How Can We Help You?
Our Physiotherapist will complete an assessment to determine which of the rotator cuff muscles are affected, and the mechanism of injury (for non-acute injuries). Physiotherapy treatment will help assist with pain, improve muscle flexibility and strength as needed. Your Physiotherapist will help get you back to your regular activities as quickly and efficiently as possible while giving you information on how to prevent this injury from occurring again!
Our physiotherapists are happy to work with your family physician or other health care professionals to deliver an integrated approach to your rehabilitation. Alternatively, we can offer chiropractic care if you prefer.
Why choose Pillars of Wellness?
At Pillars of Wellness, in Burlington, Ontario, we are proud to provide a truly integrated care approach that employs a variety of treatments to achieve a faster recovery. Our clinic offers chiropractic care, naturopathy, counselling, occupational therapy, yoga therapy, acupuncture, and holistic nutrition.
With multiple services and specialties in one place, you’ll get the best care possible — without having to look elsewhere. Pillars of Wellness is your one-stop-health solution, located right here in Burlington.
Last but not least, physiotherapy is typically covered under most extended health insurance plans. If you do not have coverage or have exceeded your coverage limits, you can consult with our Chiropractors. All of our Chiropractor and Physiotherapists have skills and techniques to treat and manage postural strain and associated symptoms.
Flexibility and accommodation to make your appointment viable and fit to your schedule
Highly recommended for everyone who is looking for friendly, warm and very professional help in physiotherapy. Flexibility and accommodation to make your appointment viable and fit to your schedule. Warm, new and clean environment going very well together with informative and friendly, professional personnel. My therapy clinical notes, invoices and appointment reminders were also available on line and on time. Khizar, Nancy, Thank you.
Feeling better by the day. Thank you so much!
This is the first time I give a review. I cannot say enough about this clinic. They are really amazing. Friendly, great customer service and helped me with a condition I have for years. Feeling better by the day. Thank you so much!
I was very impressed by their customer service and professionalism
I recently used Pillars of Wellness services for my injuries. I was very impressed by their customer service and professionalism. The first time I came to do my assessment, the owner, the physiotherapist and the chiropractor sat with me to help me figure out the best way to feel better and faster. I spent 6 weeks with on-going treatment using different modalities. The end result was no more pain and I was able to move again!! Thank you so much for your help. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone.
Summing it up Pillars of Wellness is a well run top notch health clinic!
Lori and Laurent Pinci who run Pillars of Wellness along with their team are very professional and efficient. They make you feel welcome with a smile and kind words every time you walk through their doors. They truly care. We have not yet had the need to experience the many other services that Pillars of Wellness offers, but if we ever did, we definitely would not hesitate to use them.
I’m feeling very supported during my recovery….
On the advice of a friend, I reached out and booked a series of appointments with their occupational therapist, Lori; physiotherapist, Abida; and their naturopath, Dr. Galantai to help with recovering from a concussion. It has been an excellent experience! They are all incredible practitioners.
This is the first time I’ve ever experienced a longer term injury and their genuine, individualized care has really lessened my stress. I’m feeling very supported during my recovery and highly recommend their clinic. I credit my continual improvement to the holistic way I’m getting treatment for my symptoms and am very grateful.
I went to different clinics I finally found one worth going to.
Friendly, caring and professionals like nothing I have seen around Aldershot//Burlington. Attentive to the needs of their patients. They take the time to listen. Beautiful and well designed clinic that is extremely well maintained. I have had two car accidents in the last year and I went to different clinics I finally found one worth going to.
Before Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rotator cuff injury?
It’s a tear or strain in the shoulder muscles/tendons that help lift and rotate the arm.
Can physiotherapy heal a rotator cuff tear?
Yes, conservative physiotherapy often restores movement and strength, especially in partial tears.
What exercises are used in treatment?
Gentle range-of-motion and strengthening exercises tailored to your injury stage.
Is physiotherapy painful for rotator cuff injuries?
Therapy may challenge muscles but is adjusted to comfort and healing progress.
How long is recovery with physiotherapy?
Recovery varies but often ranges from weeks to a few months with consistent care.
Additional Physiotherapy Services
Conditions We Treat
Neuro Physiotherapy
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Sports Physiotherapy
