Rotator Cuff Injury
Shoulder injuries are extremely common – infact the shoulder joint is one of the most commonly injured parts of the body, in the US 4 million people suffered with some kind of shoulder problem – 1.5 million of these ended up going for surgery! The glenohumeral articulation has overall more movement than any other joint in the body due to the minimal bony stability in the shoulder permitting a wide range of motion (ROM), thus the soft tissue structures (static and dynamic stabilisers) are the major glenohumeral stabilisers.
In order to achieve peak performance, there must be optimal balance between mobility and stability. The shoulder must withstand the worst of our everyday work tasks as well as our recreation activities. Most shoulder problems arise from direct trauma, overuse, or underuse, commonly resulting in impingements syndromes.
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles, which reinforce the fibrous capsule and control three basic motions: abduction, internal rotation and external rotation. The supraspinatuslies above the joint, while the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles cross the joint posteriorly; all three muscles insert onto the greater tubercle of the humerus.Subscapularis is the fourth rotator cuff muscle, attaching from the anterior surface of the scapula, crossing the glenohumeral joint anteriorly and inserting onto the lesser tubercle of the humerus. The balance of the rotator cuff muscles plays a very important role in the life of a healthy shoulder.
Rotator cuff injuries are more likely in people such as swimmers and tennis players, who practice sports that involve a lot of movement of their arms over their head. The most common injuries to the rotator cuff are tendonitis and rotator cuff tears. A rotator cuff tear can be either a result of a direct injury to the arm or may evolve from rotator cuff tendonitis (also called impingement syndrome). Impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff rub against the shoulder blade, causing it to become inflamed, fray and weaken.
Some quick tips for those suffering with shoulder pain:
- Rest: Rest is a phenomenal tool, rest allows the body to heal the joint and allow any acute inflammation to subside. Use caution when resting the joint, because prolonged immobilisation can cause a frozen shoulder.
- Ice and Heat Application: Ice packs and heat pads are among the most commonly used treatments. If you’re not sure when to use cool or heat, be sure to ask your chiropractor.
- Stretching and Exercise: Stretching and rehabilitation exercises of the muscles and tendons that surround the joint can help with the cause of your pain, but can also make things worse! Know what to do and when to do it!
If you need more information on shoulder injuries then please call our Grimsby Chiropractor, we will be more than happy to help you and discuss any problems your suffering with.
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