Rotator Cuff Treatment Can Help Anyone

By: Nick Bryant Click author's name for more of his/her articles

About thirty percent of us will have a rotator cuff injury at some time in our lives, I can't help feeling that if we all did shoulder exercises as part of our daily routine, we would probably be able to significantly reduce that number.

Eight million Americans are going to complain of a rotator cuff problem this year alone. So what causes it and what is the best way to treat it?

The rotator cuff is a fairly small but important group of muscles that stabilise the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is made up of a very shallow ball and socket joint. The ball which is at the top of the upper arm or humerus rests on the socket of the shoulder joint that is on the outer edge of the scapula or shoulder blade. Think of it like a golf ball sitting on a tee. The muscles of the rotator cuff all run from the shoulder blade to the head of the upper arm holding it in place, surrounding the shoulder in a cuff of muscle which helps to keep the joint stable and stop it from dislocating every time that we lift our arm above shoulder height or lift something heavy.

If we didn't have the rotator cuff muscles it would be very easy to knock the ball off the tee, great in golf but not so good in a shoulder joint.

This group of muscles work hardest whenever there is a downward pressure on the shoulder joint. If you are working above shoulder height, lifting or reaching for something they kick in to maintain the stability of the shoulder.

Which is why, when you injure any of them, you get pain when you lift your arm up or out to the side.

As we age these muscles start to weaken, usually through lack of use so we are more likely to get this kind of injury once we get past forty, although sportsmen are at risk as is anyone who is continually working above shoulder height, decorators, painters etc..

Fortunately the majority of rotator cuff problems can be sorted out with the right sort f exercise. The typical rotator cuff treatment will start with rest to allow the muscle to start healing, coupled with treatment of any swelling or inflammation with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A lot of the pain in a rotator cuff injury is caused by the inflammation where swollen tendons can get impinged or trapped. It is important to let the muscles heal properly and any swelling to reduce before beginning any exercise.

Trying to work through a rotator cuff injury will only cause more damage and can even lead to you needing corrective surgery.

Once the inflammation has gone and the pain has settled down you need to do some shoulder specific exercises aimed at strengthening the rotator cuff muscles. You will usually find that within about six weeks, you can get your shoulder joint back to movement without experiencing any pain simply by following a rotator cuff treatment programme.

Once you have, then it is essential to continue with the exercises to make sure that your shoulders stay fit, healthy and trouble free.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: If you want to know how rotator cuff treatment stopped me needing shoulder surgery check out my story at my blog www.myrotatorcuffcure.blogspot.com