A common complaint physical therapists and orthopedic physicians treat is aching and occasional sharp pain in the shoulder and upper arm. These symptoms, which may start suddenly or develop over time, are often a sign of an injury to the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is perhaps the most vulnerable component of the shoulder.
The shoulder, a complex structure, is one of the most mobile joints in the human body. Few sports or daily activities are unaffected by the mechanics of this human architectural wonder. The shoulder consists of two joints: the ball and socket joint at the top of the arm and the area between the shoulder blade and the trunk. The rotator cuff refers to the group of muscles that surround the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. The flattened muscle and tendons of the rotator cuff surround the upper arm bone like a cuff on a shirtsleeve. These muscular attachments give the shoulder exceptional mobility, but are also vulnerable to injury.
Injuries to the rotator cuff usually occur in one of two ways: either a traumatic event causing an injury, or, more commonly, from overuse of the shoulder during activities that require the arm to move over the head. Overuse injuries are often related to poor body mechanics or an imbalance in muscle strength, both of which increase the chance of injury. Athletes who are most prone to shoulder injuries include baseball and softball players, football quarterbacks and tennis players. An injury to the rotator cuff can be devastating to athletes, because it can inhibit their ability to play sports.
Fortunately, with proper training and maintenance, the rotator cuff can stay healthy and function properly. Exercises and training for the rotator cuff should focus on flexibility, strength and endurance in the cuff muscles themselves, as well as on the core muscles of the trunk and shoulder girdle. Specific muscle training for the rotator cuff should focus on internal and external rotation, including raising the arms from waist to shoulder height, with relatively light weights. These exercises are probably most easily accomplished with elastic bands, which are found in gyms, physical therapy clinics and sporting-goods stores.
Equally important are shoulder and core stability exercises. By increasing the strength and control in the muscles that support the humerus (upper arm bone) and shoulder blade, we create a firm, stable foundation for the rotator cuff to work its magic. Medicine balls and oversized stability/exercise balls are popular tools to train the core and shoulder girdle musculature, as well as increase the stability of the rotator cuff. And of course, a well-balanced stretching program is very important to keep everything limber and moving.
For most of us, athletes or not, the rotator cuff is seldom considered until it becomes injured. However, since we all have shoulders, we should learn to use them properly, keep them strong and flexible, and avoid preventable injuries that slow us down. FBN
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EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine therapists and specialists all have the education and hands-on experience required to provide comprehensive and individualized treatment plans and therapies. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, many of our therapists also have advanced training and experience, including master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as additional certifications in one or more areas of expertise.
Each specific type of therapy is considered a specialty, and plays an important role in the rehabilitation process. The EntireCare team functions as a cohesive unit, where all members share information and knowledge. The ultimate goal is the patient’s improvement and return to the highest possible functioning level.
Choosing EntireCare means patients also have access to a myriad of additional services, such as advanced facilities, technology and equipment.
To make an appointment at one of our Flagstaff locations, call 928-773-2125.
- Flagstaff Medical Center: 1215 N. Beaver St. The outpatient therapy center includes a large exercise gym; private rooms for hand, wound, electric stimulation and other treatments; above-ground therapeutic pool; group exercise classes and more.
- East Flagstaff: 7810 N. Hwy. 89, Suite 280 (in the Elden Ridge Business Centre next to Subway). Full-time physical therapists provide comprehensive treatment options in a state-of-the-art facility. The clinic has both private treatment rooms and a gym-like area for patients to work one-on-one with therapists.
By Brad Lough, P.T.