Three ways to relieve rotator cuff pain

The rotator cuff is a complex set of muscles, tendons and ligaments that connects the arm to the shoulder while allowing for normal movement. Injuries to the rotator cuff are so common because of the stress we put on the shoulders while working, exercising or playing sports.

Whether it’s due to a minor strain or a more serious tear, rotator cuff pain can have a serious negative impact on your quality of life. Physical therapy is an often-recommended part of the treatment process, helping to stabilize and strengthen the shoulder to promote healing and prevent future injuries.

To help you better understand your treatment options to make an informed decision about your care, we’re sharing the following techniques that can help relieve rotator cuff pain. The Advent Physical Therapy team is here to help. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or want to learn more about how we can help.

A physical therapist can perform or instruct you about these techniques

After receiving a physical assessment from a therapist, treatments you may encounter include:

• Manual therapy — Active techniques like strain counterstrain, joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization can all help relieve rotator cuff pain.

• Strengthening exercises — Active and passive techniques that can be performed both in the office and at home help to stabilize the shoulder, regaining range of motion and preventing future injury.

• Hot and/or cold therapy — Generally performed at home, a physical therapist can provide instruction on how to alternate heat and ice. Heat helps to relax muscles and improve circulation while an ice pack helps to reduce inflammation and temporarily numb the area.

Since each person is different and has unique needs, your therapist can work with you to develop a fully personalized treatment plan.

Experience the Advent advantage

With many clinics conveniently located across west Michigan, Advent Physical Therapy has highly-trained and credentialed physical therapists with decades of combined experience in helping people find lasting relief. Our goal is to put you fully at the center of the treatment experience, from the time you’re greeted by our friendly staff to when you’re receiving instructions from our clinicians.

If you are dealing with rotator cuff pain, we want to help. Contact us today to speak with our caring team and to schedule your initial appointment.