Our rotator cuffs are what we depend on to swim, hug our loved ones, and even cheer: so it’s vital that we’re able to take care of these joints if anything happens to them. If you’re suffering from a rotator cuff injury and want to heal quickly: this is everything you need to know about it!
Everyone deserves full use of their arms; this is how you make sure to gain it back!
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What’s a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Our rotator cuffs are the group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and keep our arms firmly within the socket of the shoulder. An injury to this cuff can cause a dull and nonstop ache in that shoulder that can worsen at night as we lay down and reduce movement. These injuries can become more common as we get older, but they’re not limited to specific age groups.
You can take a rotator cuff injury test to check if that’s what’s really going on or talk to a medical professional if you’re nervous.
1- Rest with Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Rest is a large part of healing. Overworking or exerting yourself after an injury can make it far worse and leave you with a long road to recovery. Anti-inflammatory medication can help your body stop the swelling and will give you the chance to work on stretching or healing the wound directly, instead of just the area that’s surrounding it.
2- Strengthening and Stretching Exercise
Physical therapy is vital to working through a rotator cuff injury. Not only does physical therapy give you the opportunity to safely stretch and work the area under the watchful eye of a professional: but it strengthens and adds mobility to help, so you don’t have to worry about this injury happening again any time in the near future. A physical therapist will be on your side and help you as much as you want.
3- Temperature Therapy
If your rotator cuff was torn or harmed: temperature therapy can be a great option. Far less hands-on than physical therapy, this allows you to chill and stop any inflammation, as well as promote healing as that part of your body warms and gains mobility again afterward. This two-step process can be exciting to some while offering something new in the world of healing.
What Should You Avoid?
When healing from a rotator cuff injury, it’s important that you take some steps to avoid getting injured further. Things you should avoid are prolonged physical exercise, leaning on that muscle or wound, and any risk of having to flex or stretch that area of your body further than usual. If you’re doing something and it hurts a lot, don’t try to work through the pain. This can just make it worse.
Healing Is Vital to Getting to Move On From Injury
Whether you’re struggling to get over a large physical trauma that injured your rotator cuff or you’re taking your time getting back on your feet: it’s important to work at your own pace. Don’t rush yourself, and do what feels right.