Rotator cuff injury/ Shoulder pain 

The rotator cuff is a collection of tendons and muscles that surrounds the shoulder joint and helps to keep the upper arm bone’s head firmly in its small socket. A dull shoulder pain from a rotator cuff injury may get worse at night. 

Types of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries can be either acute (traumatic) or chronic (ongoing) in nature. These are some of the injuries:

1. General wear and tear: As you age or engage in repetitive motion activities, general wear and tear on your shoulder can result in a rotator cuff injury.
2. Tendinitis: It is an inflammation of the tendons in your rotator cuff caused by overuse or overload. Shoulder tendinitis is a common repetitive motion injury among athletes who compete in overhead sports such as swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
3. Bursitis: This is an inflammation or irritation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that connects your shoulder joint to your rotator cuff tendons.
4. Tendon strain or tear: During an abrupt injury or as a result of repetitive motion, the tendon that connects the muscle to the bone may sustain a partial or complete tear. A tendon tear can also result from untreated tendonitis. Pain, numbness, and the inability to fully extend the arm are symptoms of a torn rotator cuff. Additionally, trying to lift and rotate your arm while engaging in overhead activity can be painful.

Symptoms

The symptoms of rotator cuff injuries differ from person to person. They could include:

• Pain in the shoulder area, usually described as a dull ache, makes it difficult to move your arm in daily activities such as combing your hair.
• Shoulder muscle weakness or stiffness
• Pain that worsens at night, making sleeping on the affected side difficult

Other signs of a torn rotator cuff include:

• Loss of arm strength
• you hear popping or clicking when you move your arm making popping or crackling noises when you move your arm

Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injuries

The best course of action for a rotator cuff injury depends on the findings of your medical examination and may involve rest, drugs, physical therapy, joint injections, and perhaps surgery. Depending on the specific injury, rotator cuff injuries may take months or years to heal. Although the majority of rotator cuff tears do not heal on their own, you can frequently get relief from your pain and get your shoulder back to normal function without surgery.

Here are some treatment suggestions 

Rest and physical therapy

Rest and physical therapy are typically used to treat rotator cuff injuries first. Specific exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist will help you recover from your injury, increase the flexibility of your rotator cuff and shoulder muscles, and develop balanced shoulder muscle strength. To reduce inflammation, they might also advise NSAIDS, ice/heat packs, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Drugs). Physical therapy could be necessary for a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of your injury.

Surgery and steroid injections

Your doctor may suggest additional treatments if rest and physical therapy are ineffective in helping your injury heal completely, such as:

Steroid injections: Your doctor may administer a corticosteroid injection to relieve pain and inflammation in the area around your shoulder, depending on the intensity of your discomfort.

Surgery might be necessary to repair a significant muscle tear in the rotator cuff. Doctors performing this kind of surgery might also remove any calcium deposits or bone spurs.

Sleepless with Shoulder Pain?

Many people with rotator cuff injuries find it difficult to fall asleep, but nighttime pain is frequently manageable with a few straightforward techniques. To help with pain relief, try icing your shoulder for 15-20 minutes and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, before bed. A lot of people also discover that experimenting with their sleeping position can aid in their ability to unwind

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, make an appointment with a Unique Physioclinic shoulder specialist today. Our experienced team treats all types of rotator cuff pain and can help you determine the best treatment option that will allow you to return to your daily activities as soon as possible.

Here at Unique Physiotherapy and Fitness Center, we offer a unique approach to recovery and well-being. We provide the most effective physiotherapy in Abuja to assist you with your pain and injuries. Our therapists work with you to customise a relaxation programme to meet your specific needs. Book a schedule with us today.