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How to Naturally Heal a Torn Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff injury is among the most common injuries in our practice. In fact, this injury is so regular that testing shows just over 20% of a given population may have a full rotator cuff tear. This information indicates how prevalent this type of damage is in our daily lives.

However, if you look at the shape of the shoulder and the amount of responsibility it carries in our bodies’ movement, a clearer picture starts to appear. All of our lifting and moving activities related to the arm involve our rotator cuff, which doesn’t even begin to examine its general use during locomotion. Plus, the dynamic range of the joint presents ample opportunity for extra stress or overexertion. Thankfully, the familiarity of the injury has some upsides. 

When you look around, surely you don’t see a society of hobbled or incapable people, even at a ratio of 1:5. The reasons for this are multiple, but it is chiefly the result of our shoulder’s ability to compensate for small injuries. In most cases, a rotator cuff injury in Calgary will not severely limit your daily routine, and many people are unaware they may be hurt in this way. Although, it will still cause undue pain and chronic discomfort.

Natural Treatments for Rotator Cuff Injuries

Supplements

Several natural supplements have some efficacy in treating rotator cuff abnormalities. In particular, St. John’s Wort and Arnica are both useful for musculoskeletal trauma. Additionally, maintaining a regular intake of essential vitamins, such as Vitamin C and E, can help reduce many forms of chronic pain. Finally, anti-inflammatories such as Bromelain, turmeric, white willow park, chili peppers, and frankincense can have positive effects. 


Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

IMS therapy has the potential to serve as a potent method for reconditioning the muscles within the rotator cuff. It can achieve this by either releasing tension in shortened and tightened muscles to enhance their strength or by mitigating muscle spasms and tension to promote the healing of rotator cuff tears. To learn more about IMS, click here an scroll down to the education portion: IMS & Dry Needling.

Exercises

The nature of a rotator cuff injury means that you will often not require medical assistance to reduce symptoms or pain. Typically, the most effective treatment for this condition is regular exercise and strengthening the surrounding muscles. Remember, the rotator cuff is a group of four muscles, and maintaining them can yield long-term benefits. 

Several methods of exercise will benefit your injury. The best way to learn which techniques are right for you is by visiting a physiotherapist in Calgary. They have the proper knowledge, equipment, and experience to provide personalized solutions for your unique needs.

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Resting Methods

Several resting methods work effectively to soothe the pain of a torn rotator cuff. They are especially useful if there is significant inflammation. One of the best methods is one you may already have some familiarity with, which is the RICE method. The acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Essentially, you should rest your inflamed joint and apply ice to the area. Then, keep pressure on the site to reduce the blood flow, and elevate it for short periods. There are several variations on this concept, which vary the amount of time for each section or the desired temperature during the icing phase. However, understanding the concept can prove just as beneficial.

Why does it work?

Inflammation is the gathering of healing and fighting cells in your body. They gather in the affected joint, muscle, or general area and perform several functions integral to your body’s natural healing process. However, it can cause unpleasant pressure, which leads to dull, aching pain.

 Each part of the RICE method aims to reduce the buildup of these cells for a set time. Icing shrinks the veins and arteries that transport the cells, and compression reduces the flow before the area. Similarly, the elevation makes it harder for the cells to reach the site of inflammation, and resting reduces lactic acid production in the area. Armed with this knowledge, you can now understand the relevance of this process.

Although, it is worth noting that you do not want to stop this healing process or exacerbate the wound. Therefore, listening to your body is critical. If the area feels too cold, remove the ice pack. Similarly, if you experience numbness or sharp pain, then you should stop raising your arm or compressing the rotator cuff.

Treat Your Rotator Cuff Injury Today

Thankfully, the relative normalcy of this issue means that there are several effective treatments available. Now, you know about the options available for home treatment, but several other treatments are available in the medical practice. Surgery, prescriptions, and diagnostic methods all have a place in assessing and subsequently treating your rotator cuff injury. However, you should always seek the help of a medical professional before embarking on these routes. 

Welcome to Brentwood Physiotherapy, your trusted Calgary physiotherapy clinic. For over 16 years, our experienced physiotherapists have been treating individuals suffering from acute to chronic conditions, with one goal. The goal is to address the core cause of their pain and put them on the road to recovery. Get back on the path to a healthier you by contacting Brentwood Physiotherapy today at 403-282-8050

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