Alternative Therapies for a Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is made up of a group of muscles that are responsible for connecting the arm to the shoulder joint. These muscles help provide strength and stability to the shoulder while giving a person the mobility to raise and twist their arm. There are a variety of rotator cuff disorders, but most of them can be treated with plenty of rest and over-the-counter drugs. In more serious cases, doctors may suggest surgery. However, there are also several alternative therapies available that can help heal a rotator cuff injury.

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

• There are several disorders that can be considered a rotator cuff injury. The first is tendinitis, in which the tendon in the shoulder becomes inflamed and swells considerably. Calcium tendinitis is a specific type of tendinitis that occurs when there is a calcium buildup in the tendon, causing severe shoulder pain. A partial or a complete tear of the rotator cuff tendons is another example of a rotator cuff disorder.

  Typically, rotator cuff injuries are caused by the overuse of the muscle, which is often seen in athletes who compete in swimming or tennis. However, even normal wear and tear can cause a shoulder injury, and frequent and repetitive shoulder motions over a period of time may put stress on the tendons and cause a rotator cuff injury.

Treatments

• Doctors usually recommend very simple treatments to relieve any symptoms of a rotator cuff injury. A patient should rest the shoulder and avoid any positions or activity that may strain the muscle. In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen may be prescribed to help reduce swelling and inflammation.

  A doctor may recommend surgery if the rotator cuff has been severely torn, or if several months of treatment have not helped the injury. Young healthy adults are the best candidates for rotator cuff surgery, and surgeons are usually unable to fully repair shoulder damage in older adults.

Alternative Treatments

• If you do not wish to undergo surgery but standard treatments are not working, there are several alternative therapies that can help relieve shoulder injuries. Cortisone injections are one option that can provide a huge relief to symptoms, and help decrease swelling. However, overuse of the steroid can actually increase the tear in the tendon and weaken the structure of the muscle tissue.

  Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are natural supplements that can be taken to help rebuild joints. In addition, routine physical therapy can help improve the function and strength of the shoulder muscle.

  Finally, massage therapy can be used as an alternative therapy method to treat rotator cuff injuries. It can help increase circulation in the shoulder and can speed up the overall healing process. In addition, massage therapy can decrease the number of stress hormones produced in the body, which in turn can help decrease the perception of pain.