While torn rotator cuff symptoms are more commonly experienced by people who are middle aged, this is an injury which can affect anyone at any age. A torn rotator cuff can be due to an accident or more commonly, from repetitive stress injury. In the case of torn rotator cuffs stemming from an accident, the problem is immediately apparent. However, many with rotator cuff injuries due to repetitive strain don’t notice the problem for some time since the damage and symptoms worsen gradually over a period of time.
The initial sign that something is wrong in your shoulder is a light pain which throbs at intervals. Most people make the mistake of ignoring this pain and just take a pain killer. The pain killer does nothing except block the receptors that detect the sensation of pain or even prevent the signals of pain from travelling to the brain. As a result, the absence of pain makes people use their shoulder more and cause further trauma to the muscles. So, when the effect of the pain killer wears off, the pain returns with a vengeance and even the mobility of the shoulder joint is affected. Many times, other early symptoms of this problem include swelling in the shoulder which may or may not be accompanied by swelling, weakness and stiffness in the joint. These symptoms usually are experienced before the actual tearing of the joint. This is because slow and steady wear and tear are actually the cause of the problem.
A condition called “frozen shoulder” (adhesive capsulitis) may develop if no treatment is sought after experiencing the earlier torn rotator cuff symptoms. This condition is characterized by a reduction in the ability to move the shoulder, often to the point where even routine tasks like dressing or driving can be done only with the greatest difficulty.
It is often not until torn rotator cuff symptoms become truly unbearable that many people begin to pay attention. The symptoms worsen over time as the rotator cuff becomes increasingly inflamed – and once the symptoms have worsened to this point, the condition is severe enough that it can take years to make a full recovery. Instead of letting the condition progress to this point, it’s best to pay attention to symptoms and start using a rotator cuff exercise program once you begin to experience symptoms. Taking pain relievers does nothing but temporarily mask the symptoms. This makes it all too easy to worsen the damage by continuing to strain the rotator cuff, meaning that the symptoms will return with increasing severity as the damage continues to be done.
People who are into heavy physical activity or sports need to really pay good attention to torn rotator cuff symptoms. When the inflammation increases, then problems like frozen shoulder can even cause disability.
You’ll be able to prevent serious injury and keep torn rotator cuff symptoms from impairing your ability to live your life normally by having the problem diagnosed and treated as early as possible. A torn rotator cuff can be diagnosed using ultrasound, MRI, x-rays, physical examination and arthograms. The treatment may be as simple as ice packs or heat therapy with stretching and other exercises; or in more advanced injuries, physical therapy or even steroids may be indicated.
Tom Nicholson has spent years helping sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. You can follow this link to learn more regarding having asore wrist.
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