Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries Naturally

By Gray Rollins

This article will focus on rotator cuff injuries and their treatments. But before we move on to the treatments let me tell you what rotator cuff injuries are all about which will help you deal with it better, in case you are faced with such a situation.

What are rotator cuff injuries?

Rotator Cuff injury is a medical condition that is a very common situation among senior citizens. This is caused due to a natural degeneration process that makes the muscle and tendon fibers in the rotator cuff worn-down and frayed.

Because of the degeneration process that takes place in a human body especially in a later age, it makes it more probable to face rotator cuff injuries. Such injuries may include inflammation and tears. Although natural degeneration process is the most common reason for such injuries to occur, but it is not the only cause, the other reasons that may lead to such medical conditions may include, a certain kind of motion that is regularly repeated or many be a traumatic injury. The repetitive motion injuries are most commonly observed among construction workers who usually work over their heads or regularly lift and carry heavy things. This is also commonly observed among athletes like runners, they often undergo such injuries because of running.

How do I know if I have a Rotator cuff injury?

Rotator cuff injuries are often characterized by pain on the top of the shoulder or on the outer side of the shoulder. This pain will grow worse over time and is more intense when performing lifting motions with the arms.

Rotator Cuff injury treatments:

Here are some of the natural remedies which work very well for many people with rotator cuff injuries.

Heat treatment: heat treatment has proved to be beneficial for almost every kind of muscle injury and rotator cuff injury isn't an exception. Undergoing heat treatment will help you deal with the situation better.

Cold: When the pain flares up from your rotator cuff injury, you can try placing an ice pack on your shoulder, which will also alleviate the pain and inflammation.

Rest: Rest is very helpful in treating muscle injuries - rest allows your body to recover from a rotator cuff injury more quickly.

Movement: Yes, this method will hurt a little, but letting your injured shoulder move a little will prevent stiffness. Alternating heat and rest with just a little motion can keep your rotator cuff flexible.

Medical treatments are also available to treat rotator cuff injuries, among them cortisone injections, heat ultrasound therapies and in extreme cases, surgery to repair the damage. However, natural remedies are better in most cases. Rotator cuff injuries are not in and of themselves dangerous and can be treated using the aforementioned natural methods. However, if the injury is a serious one, you should definitely seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Never just assume that a serious injury will go away on its own.

If your rotator cuff injury is serious, however, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible - never assume that a serious injury or ailment can be self-treated. - 15437

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