Massage Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tear

While there are lots of causes of shoulder pain, a typical issue for individuals aged 40 and up is a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is composed of group of muscles and structures that support and surround the top of the humerus and attach it to the shoulder. A rotator cuff tear may occur spontaneously by frequent reaching overhead or by a sudden cause such as a trauma to the shoulder. However, the most frequent reason for a rotator cuff tear is repetitive micro-trauma that may arise more than a few weeks, months, or years. The site of tear is typically over the dominant arm, meaning the arm that is usually used whether right-handed or left-handed. Rotator cuff tear may either be partial or complete. In partial tear, the arm can still be moved up to a point where pain is felt, called the painful arc syndrome, while it may be impossible to raise the arm in the case of complete tear.

Here are the usual signs and symptoms of rotator cuff tear:
Cracking or grating sound with arm movement
Consistent and persistent pain upon movement especially when reaching overhead
Muscle weakness around the shoulder making it hard to raise the arm
Pain through the night that makes sleeping on the affected side bothersome
Limitation of motion.

Frequent injury to the rotator cuff caused by pressure or stress on the rotator cuff tendons may damage the underlying tissue that may lead to inflammation. The impingement of the rotator cuff tendons may result from friction between the closest bone, called acromion, and the swelling of the tissue.

The best treatment option for rotator cuff tear depends on the degree of the tear or damage. For partial tear, it is not necessary to undergo a surgical procedure. However, prompt first aid treatment should be applied. The primary therapeutic interventions to acute pain and inflammation are: rest, ice or cold compress, and elevation. Physical therapy and massage techniques are also essential to improve subsequent symptoms. For complete tear, consult a doctor at once. Surgery may be advised.

In combination with physical exercise to improve and treat the affected muscles, massage therapy will certainly handle the pain, the muscle spasm, and improve the range of motion. Lymphatic drainage is known to greatly lessen inflammation or swelling. Trigger point compression enables you to cut down muscle stiffness and trigger points. Passive but pain-free joint exercises are employed to boost range of motion and flexibility. Just after several weeks, heat could be placed on the damaged part as well as more direct therapy processes should be applied to lessen adhesions and scar tissue formation that may be brought about by direct friction between the muscles and tendons.

Massage therapy can decrease pain and muscle spasms in the shoulder muscles. A trained therapist who is experienced with shoulder injuries will greatly help you recover.

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