What is Rotator Cuff Pain?
The Rotator Cuff is a group of 4 muscles attached to your scapula (shoulder blade) that control movement of your shoulder joint.
Supraspinatus sits at the top of the scapula and is responsible for raising your arm up.
Infraspinatus covers the majority of the surface of the scapula and Teres Minor attaches to the outer edge of the scapula. These muscles work together to externally rotate your arm at the shoulder joint.
Subscapularis covers the inner side of the scapula and is responsible for internally rotating your arm at the shoulder joint.
Pain or injury to any or all of these muscles can happen in sports, accidents or falls, shoulder dislocation, overuse/repetitive strain injuries,
Symptoms include pain in the shoulder that worsens with arm movements; restricted ability to move the arm due to either pain or weakness; altered movement patterns to compensate for lost movement; referred pain patterns can be felt in the arm, mid and upper back, and neck.
I assess your Rotator Cuff by watching you move through a series of arm and shoulder movements to see how the movement pattern appears and what pain you feel and where specifically you feel the pain; raising your arm above shoulder level in front and to the side lets me look at Supraspinatus; external rotation movements like reaching to tie up your hair or scratch your head show me Infraspinatus and Teres Minor; internal rotation movements like reaching behind to do up your bra (for the ladies) or putting the back of your hand on your lower back let me assess Subscapularis.
Supraspinatus sits at the top of the scapula and is responsible for raising your arm up.
Infraspinatus covers the majority of the surface of the scapula and Teres Minor attaches to the outer edge of the scapula. These muscles work together to externally rotate your arm at the shoulder joint.
Subscapularis covers the inner side of the scapula and is responsible for internally rotating your arm at the shoulder joint.
Pain or injury to any or all of these muscles can happen in sports, accidents or falls, shoulder dislocation, overuse/repetitive strain injuries,
Symptoms include pain in the shoulder that worsens with arm movements; restricted ability to move the arm due to either pain or weakness; altered movement patterns to compensate for lost movement; referred pain patterns can be felt in the arm, mid and upper back, and neck.
I assess your Rotator Cuff by watching you move through a series of arm and shoulder movements to see how the movement pattern appears and what pain you feel and where specifically you feel the pain; raising your arm above shoulder level in front and to the side lets me look at Supraspinatus; external rotation movements like reaching to tie up your hair or scratch your head show me Infraspinatus and Teres Minor; internal rotation movements like reaching behind to do up your bra (for the ladies) or putting the back of your hand on your lower back let me assess Subscapularis.
What kinds of treatments help Rotator Cuff Pain?
The techniques I've found that work the best for people with Rotator Cuff Pain include Trigger Point treatment, cupping, dry needling, taping to support the shoulder.
Treating the chest (Pectoralis) can help if the shoulder is being pulled forward.
Treating the chest (Pectoralis) can help if the shoulder is being pulled forward.
Get your treatment plan started!
Lets start with your Initial Consultation and Treatment.
A typical treatment plan for Rotator Cuff Pain involves a follow up treatment 5-7 days after the Initial session to determine how well the muscles have responded and to re-evaluate the pain and movement situation.
In cases of muscle imbalance, sometimes only 2-3 treatments are needed to restore movement and take the pain away.
Injuries like muscle tears or situations where the pain has been there for a long period of time generally respond best to weekly or fortnightly treatment over 4-6 weeks, then extending the time between treatments until the pain has completely gone.
For really long term recurring Rotator Cuff pain, most of my patients find their "sweet spot" for managing flare ups to be between fortnightly to once every 6-8 weeks.
A typical treatment plan for Rotator Cuff Pain involves a follow up treatment 5-7 days after the Initial session to determine how well the muscles have responded and to re-evaluate the pain and movement situation.
In cases of muscle imbalance, sometimes only 2-3 treatments are needed to restore movement and take the pain away.
Injuries like muscle tears or situations where the pain has been there for a long period of time generally respond best to weekly or fortnightly treatment over 4-6 weeks, then extending the time between treatments until the pain has completely gone.
For really long term recurring Rotator Cuff pain, most of my patients find their "sweet spot" for managing flare ups to be between fortnightly to once every 6-8 weeks.
See what others have to say
"Mel has been working on my shoulder injury and has been able to work wonders. I would (and already have) recommend Mel to anybody who requires treatment. No mucking around, she just gets the job done." Jeremy
"I have been going to Mel for treatment since November 2016 for ongoing shoulder and hand issues and am very happy with her. Each visit she works through my injuries in a very professional manner. I first saw Mel in Berwick and followed her across to Ferntree Gully" Lenna
"I have been seeing Mel since Jan 2015 about my recurring shoulder injury.
I have gone through about 8 massage therapist regarding my shoulder yet I found I was not seeing any results. After seeing Mel for one session she was by far the best massage therapist I have ever been to, she goes above and beyond to ensure all your needs are being met, she will never force you to re-book for the sake of re booking, she only has your best interest at heart, and has a world of knowledge about the industry
Mel has done extensive training over her years of being a massage therapist and I would highly recommend her to anyone!!" Dominique
"I booked in for an appointment as I have chronic pain in my shoulder/scapula on and off for the last 15 years and the last month the pain had become quite unbearable. Mel worked on me meticulously and patiently, paying particular attention to my shoulder. She was gentle but firm. I felt safe and well cared for. And immediately after the treatment, felt relief from the pain. I was able to get a good night's sleep that night. I was told to do some shoulder exercises which I will make as part of my daily routine. Mel's treatment was professional and great value, for all the care she put into treating my shoulder and the other problem areas." Kavi
"I have been going to Mel for treatment since November 2016 for ongoing shoulder and hand issues and am very happy with her. Each visit she works through my injuries in a very professional manner. I first saw Mel in Berwick and followed her across to Ferntree Gully" Lenna
"I have been seeing Mel since Jan 2015 about my recurring shoulder injury.
I have gone through about 8 massage therapist regarding my shoulder yet I found I was not seeing any results. After seeing Mel for one session she was by far the best massage therapist I have ever been to, she goes above and beyond to ensure all your needs are being met, she will never force you to re-book for the sake of re booking, she only has your best interest at heart, and has a world of knowledge about the industry
Mel has done extensive training over her years of being a massage therapist and I would highly recommend her to anyone!!" Dominique
"I booked in for an appointment as I have chronic pain in my shoulder/scapula on and off for the last 15 years and the last month the pain had become quite unbearable. Mel worked on me meticulously and patiently, paying particular attention to my shoulder. She was gentle but firm. I felt safe and well cared for. And immediately after the treatment, felt relief from the pain. I was able to get a good night's sleep that night. I was told to do some shoulder exercises which I will make as part of my daily routine. Mel's treatment was professional and great value, for all the care she put into treating my shoulder and the other problem areas." Kavi
