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October 17, 2004
Rotator Cuff Injury
Among the most common injuries to the shoulder is the rotator cuff injury.
Many times these injuries can be avoided by simply paying attention to posture, proper body mechanics, and by maintaining the balance of strength between the muscles in the shoulder area.
According to Amy Valenta, a physical therapist at Back to Motion in Denver and therapist for the U.S. Women's National Rugby Team, "It is important to have a thorough evaluation performed when dealing with a rotator cuff tear. On top of strengthening the rotator cuff itself, it is important to be sure that the surrounding joints are moving properly and that the supporting musculature is firing correctly."
And don't discount the benefits of massage, which not only relaxes tight muscles but also helps to increase blood flow to the injured area.
I'm currently working with a client who had shoulder surgery where the labrum was pulled down over the shoulder joint and the tendon of the supraspinatus was pulled tight to its attachment. It is causing pain to the front of the glenoid process, behind the shoulder joint, and knotting the muscle at the juncture of the neck and the shoulder. The client, while released from physical therapy, continues to perform his stretching and range of motion exercises. I'm using cross-fiber friction techniques and ice therapy to relax the tighter straps of muscles.
Posted by linda at October 17, 2004 12:20 PM
