Rotator cuff is a group of four shoulder muscles namely > SUPRASPINATUS > INFRASPINATUS > SUBSCAPULARIS > TERES MINOR These muscles surround the head of humerus and provide stability to the shoulder joint.
The rotator cuff muscles also contribute to shoulder elevation between 60 to 130 degrees. Check out the movements that healthy rotator cuff muscles facilitate
Why do the Rotator Cuff Muscles Get Torn?
usually, it is observed that overuse of the muscle or repetitive movements such as overhead activities, like throwing or lifting can weaken the muscles over-time and this can lead to the damage of the rotator cuff muscles. But there are other factors also that contribute to the loss!! Let's have a look:
Traumatic Injury: A sudden injury such as falling on an outstretched hand or experiencing unexpected force while pushing or pulling.
Aging: Wear and tear of the muscles occur as we age and this weakens the tendons, further making the rotator cuff muscles vulnerable to getting torn.
Poor Posture: Sometimes, a bad posture can lead to improper shoulder alignment which can increase the stress on Rotator Cuff Muscles and leading to wear and tear out.
Have a detailed look at our comprehensive guide to importance of good posture
In addition to all these reasons, there are other reasons as well which can affect the health of rotator cuff muscles and make them fragile to getting injured. At times, it has been observed that smoking and joint capsule inflammation along with other systemic factors like thyroid dysfunction can impact the rotator cuff health. These conditions weaken the tendons and their ability to withstand the stress gets reduced, subsequently increasing the chances of injury.
In conditions like smoking, the blood flow to the tendons gets reduced which directly affects the ability of the joint to withstand even a microtrauma (injury or a sudden push). Even in frozen shoulder, the inflammation can lead to compromise of the surrounding structures, making the joint vulnerable to injury.
Surgery for Rotator Cuff Muscles
At Amandeep hospitals, efficient procedures to reattach the torn ligament are followed that help in reattaching the tendon to the bone. Here, the best possible means are employed in rotator cuff repair surgery, keeping in view restoration of function and flexibility of the joint.
Studies suggest that a surgery performed for rotator cuff repair has a success rate of up to 95%.
Post the successful surgery, the doctors set the patients on a pathway of advanced recovery by suggesting ABTP's specialized physiotherapy programs which are tailored according to the unique needs and requirements of the patient. CLICK THERE TO SEE HOW ABTP TRANSFORMS LIVES
Physiotherapy Management for the Affected Rotator Cuff Muscles
Physiotherapy management for rotator cuff repair primarily occurs in phases at ABTP. Through a carefully structured physiotherapy plan, the shoulder function gets restored, post the surgery.
The goal remains to protect the surgical site, while also improving the joint mobility.
Exercises that target the surrounding joints such as elbow, wrist and neck are included.
Focus shifts to maintain shoulder stability by introducing isometric exercises focusing on flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and internal as well as external rotation.
It is kept in mind by the experts that the healing tissues do not get overloaded, while keeping the aim of restoring mobility constant.
As recovery progresses, the capabilities of the joint are enhanced and focus shifts to strengthening the rotator cuff muscles.
Here, functional training takes control with exercises like scapular retraction and pendulum movements.
The joint is gradually conditioned to achieve complete range of motion.
In a period of 12 - 16 weeks (varying from case to case), resistance training and dynamic proprioception exercises take the charge and focus is driven on building strength, endurance & functionality.
In this manner, step by step rehabilitation of the affected joint boosts the joint functionality and helps the patient to return to daily life and resume daily activities with confidence.
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