How would you know what is what, and whether what you are feeling (most likely pain) can be assign to an injury? First things first, let’s look into the symptoms:
Pain at rest and at night, particularly if lying on the affected shoulder * Pain when lifting and lowering your arm or with specific movements * Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm * Crackling sensation when moving your shoulder in certain positions
How it happens?
Tears that develop slowly due to overuse and also arm weakness. At first, the pain may be mild and only present when lifting your arm over your head, such as reaching for your favourite tea mug!
Over time, the pain may become more noticeable at rest, and no longer goes away with medications, such as over-the-counter pain killers/ creams. You may feel discomfort when you lie on the painful side at night. The soreness and weakness in the shoulder may make routine activities such as combing your hair or reaching behind your back more difficult.
As with we build awareness and connection with our bodies, we become aligned with its needs. We will feel or know whether the sensation we are experiencing is just a minor, short term discomfort (like after an exercise practice). And we will also know that something about it seems different. It almost screams attention. This is where you direct your steps to a professional. Reach out and make sure that what you are feeling is or is not an injury. In case of the latter, early treatment can prevent your symptoms from getting worse. It will also get you back to your normal routine quicker. The goal of any treatment is to reduce pain and restore function. There are several treatment options for a rotator cuff tear, and the best option is different for every person. In planning your treatment, your physician (physiotherapist most likely) will consider your age, activity level, general health, and the type of tear you have.
What could you do in the meantime?
- Rest and limit overhead activities. You may also have a sling to help protect your shoulder and keep it still.
- Activity modification. Avoid activities that cause shoulder pain.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication: drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling, although I am aware that this would not be a route of choice for some.
- Strengthening exercises and physical therapy. Specific exercises will restore movement and strengthen your shoulder. Your exercise program will include stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion. Strengthening the muscles that support your shoulder can relieve pain and prevent further injury.
- Steroid injection. If rest, medications, and physical therapy do not relieve your pain, an injection of a local anesthetic and a cortisone preparation may be helpful. Cortisone is a very effective anti-inflammatory medicine; however, it is not effective for all patients.
Whatever your way out from the Rotator cuff troubles, make sure that you follow it with the company of someone who knows what they are doing. Going through YouTube clips may by helpful to gain first insights, however a professional opinion and diagnosis is priceless here. And so is life, that is pain free. Take care of your shoulders.
Agata
Agata Davies 