| Your rotator cuffs are groups of muscles that support | | | | activity, such as overstretching your arm. The ice will |
| the pivoting motion of your arm at the shoulder. | | | | help to control the swelling and it will ease the |
| The muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff help to | | | | immediate pain. Apply a hot pack to help relax and |
| stabilize the shoulder joint. It goes through a lot of wear | | | | loosen your muscles just before you go to bed or just |
| and tear especially in people who use their arms and | | | | before you plan to use your arm. The heat helps to |
| shoulders for a living, such as painters and swimmers, | | | | increase the blood flow to the muscles, making them |
| or athletes involved in sports such as volleyball, | | | | looser and more elastic. Do not apply ice or heat for |
| basketball, and tennis. | | | | more than twenty minutes at a time. If you use them |
| As people age, they are more susceptible to many | | | | for any longer than that, you could cause more harm |
| types of muscle injuries as well. | | | | than good to your muscles. |
| If you experience pain after reaching for something on | | | | - Medications - Medications should be taken as |
| a shelf, or throwing a ball way to hard, you may feel | | | | advised by a doctor. Your doctor will recommend the |
| that you have "busted your shoulder." In reality, it's likely | | | | proper medications to help with the rotator cuff repair |
| that you have torn your rotator cuff. Some injuries are | | | | process. Anti-inflammatory medications may help ease |
| so severe that you may need a surgical rotator cuff | | | | swelling if the rotator cuff tear is caused by an |
| repair in order to be able to use your arm again. | | | | accident or by strenuous activity. |
| For tears that are less severe, non-surgical repairs can | | | | - Physical Therapy - This is another option that |
| typically be successful with patience and time. | | | | requires a doctor's supervision. There are some |
| Non-surgical treatments for rotator cuff injuries include: | | | | exercises that you can do to strengthen your rotator |
| - Rest - This is arguably the most essential ingredient | | | | cuffs, but there are specific therapies, such as the |
| for a successful repair. Muscles cannot be expected | | | | Codman exercises, that are specifically used to help |
| to heal when they are in constant use. Not allowing | | | | strengthen damaged rotator cuffs. |
| proper rest for your arm and shoulder may also result | | | | You should never attempt any sort of exercises at |
| in enlarging the tear to the point where surgery is | | | | your own discretion. Instead of helping to repair rotator |
| required. Using a sling can help to ease the pressure of | | | | cuff injuries, unsupervised exercises can actually make |
| gravity and limit the movement of your shoulder. It is | | | | rotator cuff injuries worse than they were before. |
| very important to take it easy and rest your arm. | | | | If you suffer a rotator cuff injury, remember these |
| - Hot/Cold Packs - These wonderful first aid tools can | | | | non-surgical rotator cuff treatments. The best advice is |
| help to facilitate a non-surgical repair and take the sting | | | | to see your doctor immediately to ensure the best |
| out of surgical pain. Apply an ice pack if you | | | | possible recovery process. |
| experience pain immediately following strenuous | | | | |