Rotator cuff – demystified
So lets start with the basis, your rotator cuff is 4 muscles:
- Suprapinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres Minor
- Subscapularis
which act as “active and relaxable ligaments”. The advantage of having your rotator cuff stabilize the should joint over ligaments is that are more flexible which gives greater movement the disadvantage is they are easier to injure.
- Dull ache in the shoulder which is often worse if you move your arm away from your body.
- Limited mobility of your shoulder and if you do move it, it may be painful.
- Difficulty and pain caused by raising your arm.
- Popping or clicking sounds or sensations when moving your arm.
- Shoulder pain that worsens at night or when resting your arm.
- Shoulder weakness and struggling to lift items.
Why is my rotator cuff pain worse at night? It due to gravity. If you sleep on your side you increase weight on the area. Sleeping on your front is ok if you can lie with your arms by your side which may be uncomportable – most people who sleep no their front (put their arms under the pillows which may not be ideal). So try sleeping on your back to assist your rotator cuff pain at night. Can massage help my rotator cuff? Massage therapy is a great option for rotator cuff injuries because it may helps to decrease inflammation and pain in the area, release scar tissue, loosen tight and tense muscles and increase range of motion in the shoulder girdle.
