Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment in Mississauga
Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, affecting mobility, strength, and daily function. At Dynamic Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Mississauga, we provide targeted physiotherapy treatment to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve shoulder stability.
Treatment may also include advanced therapies such as shockwave therapy to promote healing and reduce chronic tendon pain.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff consists of four specific muscles: the supraspinatus (most commonly injured rotator cuff muscle), infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles. These muscle are used to either laterally (outer) rotation or medially (inner) rotation of the shoulder. The rotator cuff muscles also help to stabilize the shoulder joint as well. Rotator cuff injuries are common injuries to the shoulder as these muscles are often used to do many tasks whether cleaning, playing sports, jobs that involve the hands/arms such as painters, carpenters, drywallers, plumbers and floor installers.
Causes Of Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Overuse, impingement (rub against) and normal aging may lead to painful tearing of the rotator cuff tendons
- Rotator cuff tears can be classified as partial or full tears (most common are partial tears)
- Supraspinatus is the most frequently injured rotator cuff muscle
- These groups of muscles and tendons surround the shoulder joint helping to keep the bones in the socket firmly attached
- Most often occur in jobs or sports where repeated activities injure the rotator cuff muscles/tendons
- Most rotator cuff injuries are an inflammation so treatment of rotator cuff injuries is quite successful
Signs & Symptoms Of Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Dull ache in the shoulder which worsens when you try to sleep on the affected side
- Usually the symptoms appear gradually
- Inflammation heat and swelling develop along the tendons eventually resulting in tendinitis
- Decrease range of motion, with ability to rotate outwards, and raising the arm above the head usually affected. Can affect the ability to reach behind your back as if try to scratch the mid back
- In chronic stages of rotator cuff injuries the tendons may degenerate to a degree that the tendon ruptures
Treatment Of Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Treatment for rotator cuff injuries would initially focus on reducing the pain, inflammation and swelling of the affected muscles/tendons
- Strengthening of specific muscles to help stabilize the shoulder joint
- Increasing the usable range of motion that has been affected
- Rotator cuff injuries respond well to treatment from physiotherapy, massage therapy and acupuncture and are often combined to speed the recovery process
If you have any questions about rotator cuff injuries contact our staff at Dynamic Physiotherapy.
Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment FAQ in Mississauga
What causes rotator cuff injuries?
Rotator cuff injuries can occur due to overuse, repetitive movements, aging, or acute trauma. Common causes include lifting, sports activities, and poor shoulder mechanics over time.
How do I know if I have a rotator cuff injury?
Symptoms may include shoulder pain, weakness, limited range of motion, difficulty lifting the arm, or pain when sleeping on the affected side. A physiotherapy assessment can confirm the diagnosis.
Can physiotherapy treat rotator cuff injuries?
Yes. Physiotherapy is highly effective in treating rotator cuff injuries by improving strength, restoring mobility, reducing pain, and preventing further damage.
How long does it take to recover from a rotator cuff injury?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury. Mild cases may improve within weeks, while more complex injuries may take several months with consistent physiotherapy treatment.
Is shockwave therapy effective for rotator cuff injuries?
Shockwave therapy can help stimulate healing in chronic tendon injuries, reduce pain, and improve function when combined with physiotherapy.
Do I need surgery for a rotator cuff injury?
Most rotator cuff injuries can be treated without surgery. Physiotherapy is often the first line of treatment. Surgery may only be required in severe cases.
