By Ewa Habrowski, Physiotherapy resident
Featuring Alex Neven. Illustrations & photography by Anne Dang.
Featuring Alex Neven. Illustrations & photography by Anne Dang.
What is the "Rotator Cuff"?
The rotator cuff muscles (RC) are a group of 4 muscles that surround the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint itself is a ball-and-socket-joint that allows much freedom of movement. The 4 RC muscles help maximize stability at the joint while allowing it to move in many directions.
What are Rotator Cuff Injuries?
Injuries to this area of the body can involve damage to any of the muscles, or tendons that
Injuries can involve a number of different structures, depending on how your injured your shoulder.
These include:
Injuries can involve a number of different structures, depending on how your injured your shoulder.
These include:
- tears in the rotator cuff muscles
- inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons that attach to the RC muscles
- inflammation of the bursae which is a fluid filled sac that is naturally found in your body to decrease friction from tendons sliding over bony structures in the shoulder.
How can Physiotherapy help with Rotator Cuff Tears?
An exercise program including pain relief strategies, stretching, and strengthening is recommended.
Pain-relieving and Stretching exercises
PENDULUMS - Relax your affected arm. Shift your body weight in circles to swing your arm freely.
- Repeat 10x, frequently throughout day.
(c) ISM Rehab
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ARM SLIDES - Slide your affected arm away from your body in both positions shown.
- Repeat 5x in each direction. Hold 15 sec.
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(c) ISM Rehab
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Active-Assisted Range of Motion exercises
- WALL CRAWLS - Walk your fingers up the wall with your affected arm.
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- STANDING BROOM EXERCISE - Using a stick/broom, use your non- affected arm to move the affected arm into each position shown.
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- BROOM EXERCISE LAYING DOWN - Using a stick/broom, use your non- affected arm to move the affected arm into each position shown.
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Strengthening
Strengthening
- Start each exercise with no weight . Once you are able to perform 30 reps continuously , add 1 lb weight
- Perform each exercise as shown starting with 10 repetitions. Repeat 2x, every other day.
- SHOULDER CIRCLES - Start with no weight, raise your arm while laying down and create small circles.
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- SIDELINE EXTERNAL ROTATION
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- SEATED EXTERNAL ROTATION
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What should I avoid doing?
- Overhead movements that cause added strain on the RC muscles
- Lifting heavy items of greater than 15 lbs overhead
When should I seek further care?
If you are seeing no improvements with pain relief or weakness then see your Primary Care Provider (Family Physician, Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner).
Our Physiotherapists see and assess Injuries to the Rotator Cuff!
If you are interested in being seen and assessed by our physiotherapists,
email [email protected] or call 905-333-5100 ext 4.