The rotator cuff defines a group of many muscles and tendons that engulf the shoulder joint and keep the top of the upper arm’s bone firmly inside the shoulder socket. The muscles and tendons hold together the shoulder during the smooth movement. 

• Any pain or discomfort in the rotator cuff shows the inflammation of the tendons and bursa (the slippery sacs tendons glide across bones), a condition called rotator cuff tendinitis. 
• The pain in the tendons can also be caused by the tear in tendons, a condition called rotator cuff tear.

Rotator cuff injuries are common, which increase with the advancement of your age. Usually, tendon tears occur in young people who are professionals in fields that require frequent overhead arm motions, such as carpenters and painters. These injuries or conditions lead to a mild ache in the shoulder area that increases during the night.

A sudden tear in the rotator cuff caused by a trauma or an accident can cause sudden, severe shoulder pain and arm weakness. The condition can also arise because of the degenerative tears caused by advanced age. In this case, the patient may experience mild pain that could be easily treated with the help of over-the-counter medicines. But the pain can worsen over a period, and pain relievers won’t be helpful. 

Some other symptoms of rotator cuff problems include:

• Pain and difficulty in raising the arm
• Clicking and popping sensation while moving the arm
• Severe arm pain during the night
• Weakness in the shoulder and arm
• Difficulty in lifting heavy items

The physical therapists at Vita will work with you to design a specific treatment program to address your rotator cuff pain. Typically, the program will include the following: 

• Pain management
• Dry needling
• Kinseo taping
• Manual therapy
• Sports Movement Training

Talk to one of the physical therapy specialists at Vita today about treatment options for neck pain.