Case Studies

What is Rotator cuff pain

Rotator cuff strains or tears are generally caused by overuse, mild degeneration over time or an acute injury. They tend to fall into one of two categories: acute or chronic. Tendinitis or tendinopathy is typically caused by overuse or a change in load of the rotator cuff. This causes it to become irritated. The tendons that connect muscles to bones can overstretch or tear, partially or completely. The injury can cause a dull ache in the shoulder that worsens at night time. The rotator cuff can also be injured following a fall, a car accident, or another sudden movement or lift. These injuries can sometimes cause intense and immediate pain.

The Problem

Our client, a female in her 50’s, came to us following some pain in her right shoulder which she has had for a couple of months, which has gradually increased. She works in a job that involves repetitive lifting. We fully assessed her and in this case the problem seemed to be a rotator cuff tendinopathy issue in her shoulder.

The Solution

We educated the patient on the condition. She had some manual therapy on the shoulder and we provided the patient with a progressive strengthening programme adjusted accordingly for her as time went on which helped him to build strength and reduced the pain greatly. She was given advice on what she should do and not do in her daily activities to also help reduce the pain. Her issue was also helped by Shockwave therapy which was indicated in this particular case.

The Result

After 8 weeks she is much better than she was with significant pain reduction. We are still progressing her programme and will monitor her pain and progress. She is back doing all normal activities at work and her night pain has resolved.

Sometimes we do get patients who will not always respond as well to physiotherapy as we’d like, and in this case we would refer on for further management to an appropriate consultant. We will also refer on initially if we feel an injury requires a scan to assist diagnosis.