Rotator cuff tears affect over 13 million people every year, with 1-in-5 people having some form of partial or full-thickness tear in their rotator cuff.  These tears can either be due to substantial injury or to progressive degeneration or wear and tear over time.  Repetitive overhead activity or heavy lifting over a prolonged period of time may cause damage or irritation to the tendons and muscles of the rotator cuff.

The rotator cuff is comprised of the following muscles and tendons: subscapularis and subscapularis tendon, supraspinatus and supraspinatus tendon, infraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon, and the teres minor and the teres minor tendon.

Signs and symptoms may include:

1. Difficulty and pain raising your arm.

2. Popping or clicking sounds or sensations when moving the arm.

3. Shoulder pain that worsens at night.

4. Shoulder weakness and difficulty or inability to lift the arm.

When these types of things listed start to happen the patient often tries to immobilize or stop using the shoulder for prolonged periods.  This immobilization can cause the connective tissue enclosing the joint to become thickened and tight which is the worst thing as it leads to a frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis.

If the cuff has partial tears functional rehabilitation along with some myofascial cupping, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) or Human Cellur Tissue Products (HCTP’S) may help to provide relief of pain and cushion and or protect the joint.  If there is a full-thickness tear then surgery may be warranted.

If you are suffering from any of the above-listed symptoms please either call our office or seek to advise from your medical professional.