The rotator cuff is a group of small-sized muscles and tendons that move and stabilize the arm within the shoulder socket. Since the rotator cuff allows a wide range of shoulder movements, injuries are quite common.
Rotator cuff injuries can lead to pain and weakness, especially when the individual lifts his/her arm above shoulder level. For proper healing of the rotator cuff, the flow of blood must be restored in order to nourish it with essential nutrients and oxygen. The rehabilitation of the rotator cuff requires good blood circulation therapies to promote flow of blood to the affected region. If the individual is not injured, boosting the circulation to the rotator cuff can prevent injuries from occurring. If you want to learn more about similar injuries, click here.
Active rest
If the individual experienced a rotator cuff injury, it is important to rest the affected shoulder for 4-5 days after the injury or until the swelling has reduced. The rest does not mean full inactivity but active rest. The individual should introduce non-weight bearing movements to his/her daily routine as tolerated.
The rest will help relieve the swelling of the shoulder while mild activity will promote continuous flow of blood to the affected area. The mild shoulder movements will prevent the stiffening of the joints and atrophy of the muscles while at the same time minimizing the risk for developing frozen shoulder.
Cold and heat therapy
Once the shoulder is inflamed, you can apply ice on the shoulder to minimize the swelling. Avoid using heat at this time since it will increase the inflammation. After 4-5 days or if the inflammation has reduced, you can apply heat on the shoulder to boost the circulation of blood. If possible, you can apply moist heat.
The good sources of heat include hot showers, steam rooms, heat packs, heated wet towels and heating pads. Aside from increasing the circulation to the area, heat can relieve the spasms and muscle tightness. The ideal way to reduce the risk for developing a rotator cuff injury is to apply heat on the affected shoulder before exercise.
Movement and circulation
In case the rotator cuff is damaged, it is important to introduce more movement into the therapy as the shoulder starts to heal. It is recommended to work on the level of the pain and range of motion, increasing the movement as the range of motion improves while the pain subsides. In cases where the shoulder stays immobile for extended periods, the shoulder must be moved occasionally in order to ensure it receives adequate supply of blood.
Massage and circulation
Massage therapy can help ease the pain and stiffness linked to rotator cuff tendinitis. Take note that massage can also help relax the muscle spasms to further assist in the recovery process.
Stretching of the shoulder
Just like with massage and movement which encourages blood flow, stretching can also help increase the circulation of blood. Always remember that tight muscles can block the flow of blood. Mild stretching will allow the blood to enter the affected area.
The individual should not force or bounce the shoulder into a stretch. He/she must move the shoulder in a slow steady stretch until he/she reached the range of motion and then hold for 20-30 seconds. When recovering from an injury, the individual should only stretch to the point where a gentle stretch is felt.