Sunday, December 14, 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 I have Rotator cuff injury?

In case you are feeling pain on top of your shoulder or on its outer side then you may expect that you have rotator cuff injury. This pain is likely to get worse with time and will become more noticeable while lifting your arms and performing your daily activities.

Rotator Cuff injury treatments:

These are some of the most effective natural remedies for rotator cuff injuries.

Heat: Treating muscle injuries with heat works for almost every muscle injury, including rotator cuff injuries. Heat treatment will alleviate pain and inflammation.

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: resting is another important factor to deal with such a situation. Resting will help you recover faster and settle your pain

Move your arm: I know it will hurt, but try moving your arm continually to avoid temporary paralysis and stiffness.

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. - 16650

About the Author: