.png)
Shoulder pain is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is related to the rotator cuff.
An injury in the rotator cuff can cause shoulder pain, weakness, and limited mobility. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for shoulder pain related to the rotator cuff.
What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and play an important role in shoulder stability and movement.
The key roles of the rotator cuff:
support the shoulder joint
keep the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) in the socket of the scapula (shoulder blade)
facilitate the movements of the shoulder.
lift and rotate the arm
The 4 muscles of the rotator cuff:
Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Subascapularis
Teres minor
The 4 muscles work together to allow the shoulder to move in multiple planes, allowing for a wide range of motion and flexibility. Additionally, the rotator cuff helps to stabilize the shoulder joint, reducing the risk of injury and pain, especially during overhead activities.
How osteopathy can help?
For rotator cuff injuries, osteopathic treatments may include draining techniques, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and some stretching to help alleviate pain and improve range of motion. The goal of these techniques is to restore the normal movement and function of the shoulder joint, improve circulation and reduce inflammation, and promote healing of the rotator cuff.
In addition to manual therapy, specific exercises are usually necessary to help manage rotator cuff injuries. Understanding underlying factors that may have contributed to the injury, such as posture or movement patterns, is important to help prevent future injuries.
Other treatments
Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as tears or severe inflammation, can cause a lot of pain and limit shoulder movement. Treatment options for the rotator cuff may include a combinaison of physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cortisone injections, and in severe cases, surgery.