The rotator cuff, composed of four muscles and tendons, stabilizes the shoulder joint and allows for a broad range of motion. When this area is injured, the resulting pain can linger, affecting your daily routine and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, damage to the rotator cuff happens often in car accidents. In fact, it is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain after a collision. Recognizing the nuances of these injuries, spotting the early signs of lingering pain, and finding the right treatment approach are all vital steps toward regaining comfort and mobility.
Understand Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injury occur due to sudden forces, such as the jerking motion of a seatbelt or direct trauma to the shoulder. These injuries can cause minor strains to complete tears. If symptoms persist for weeks or months after the accident, it may indicate:
- Tendonitis due to irritated tendons from a repeated strain;
- Partial or complete rotator cuff tears;
- Impingement syndrome due to pinched tendons during shoulder movements;
- Swollen shoulder tissues or
- Frozen shoulder due to inflamed and stiff rotator cuff capsule.
Signs and Symptoms of Persistent Rotator Cuff Pain
- Difficulty raising the arm overhead
- Weakness in the shoulder & scapular muscles
- Pain that worsens at night or with overhead movement
- A clicking or popping feeling when moving the shoulder
- Stiffness in the joint
If these symptoms persist, it’s essential to consult an orthopedic doctor. Then, get treated with physical therapy.
How Do We Treat Persistent Rotator Cuff Pain
At CT Physical Therapy Care, these are the steps we take to treat persistent shoulder pain:
Step 1: Confirm Diagnosis
Before treating, please consult an orthopedic doctor or a physical therapist. The first step will be to check your movement patterns and review the source of pain. Rotator cuff pain shows specific symptoms and motion restriction. At CT Physical Therapy Care, we check this through special tests such as the Empty Can, Impingement, and Drop Arm Tests. We also suggest an MRI to confirm suspicion and rule out different injuries.
Step 2: Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for persistent rotator cuff pain. As physical therapists, we will develop a plan to:
- Reduce inflammation by the use of modalities
- Loosen tight tissues with myofascial & trigger point release
- Increase blood flow in the tendons with cross-fiber massage
- Strengthen the weak shoulder and scapular muscles
- Improve range of motion
- Enhance scapular function
- Correct posture
Step 3: Your Posture is a Big Time Factor
In our experience, posture is a significant factor in rotator cuff pain. It’s about the spine alignment and your shoulder and scapula position. Watch out for:
- Shoulder rotated inward and oriented forward
- Medial wing or tipping of shoulder blades
- Forward head posture
Step 4: Targeted Strengthening of Weak Muscles
The rotator cuff muscles are naturally strong. But it gets overused when the supporting muscles are weak. Then, it gets irritated and creates a cycle of pain and inflammation. It’s important to strengthen the supporting muscles before you resort to a drastic measure. You must emphasize working out the following movements:
- Shoulder external rotation with the use of loop bands to correct an inward-rotated arm. Bend your arms on the side of your body with palms facing each other. Put a loop band on the wrists, then move hands away from each other, rotating the shoulder outward. Repeat 20 times with light resistance, then three sets.
- Shoulder shrugs help stabilize the shoulder blade. Put one hand on the lower back, then shrug your shoulder while moving your hand upward simultaneously. Repeat 20 times for three sets. Repeat on the other side as well. Then, progress the exercise later using light to heavy weights.
- Rowing exercise with a scapular squeeze at three angles to strengthen the stabilizers of the shoulder. Use a light resistance band with horizontal rowing while squeezing the shoulder blades simultaneously. Repeat 20 times for three sets. Do it in a downward direction, then in an upward direction.
- Serratus anterior exercise enhances shoulder mobility and scapular stability. Strength of scapular muscles improves shoulder movement rhythm. Start in a push-up position (on knees if needed), then push your upper back toward the ceiling by protracting your shoulder blades (keeping elbows extended). Slowly return to neutral. Repeat 20 times for three sets. Increase difficulty later by adding resistance or adjusting the number of repetitions.
Step 5: Manage Pain
Pain can magnify your shoulder problem. Persistent symptoms give you stress and affect your sleep, which prevents healing. To manage discomfort, your doctor may recommend:
- Pain pills to help reduce pain and inflammation
- Steroid injections to help reduce symptoms and speed up tendon healing
- Use of either a hot or cold compress to relieve symptoms. Cold packs can reduce swelling after prolonged activities, and applying heat to improve blood flow can help alleviate symptoms.
Step 6: Regenerative Medicine
If your rotator cuff recovery is slow, consider the advanced options. Consult your medical doctor about platelet-rich plasma or stem-cell therapy, which may promote faster tissue repair and reduce pain.
Step 7: Rotator Cuff Surgery
For severe tears or cases where conservative therapy doesn’t help, you may need surgery. Options include arthroscopic surgery or rotator cuff repair.
Step 8: Tips for Recovery at Home
- Performing prescribed exercises at home is crucial to regain full function.
- Do your best to correct your posture.
- You need to modify activities that increase pain. The rotator cuff tendons don’t have enough blood flow to heal fast. Light exercises increase blood flow and enhance healing. Heavier activities block circulation, aggravate symptoms, and delay healing.
- Use a supportive pillow when sleeping to minimize nighttime discomfort.
At CT Physical Therapy Care, we understand the complexities of rotator cuff injuries caused by car accidents and are here to help guide you through a personalized recovery plan. Our therapist is experienced in treating trauma-related injuries and will work with you to relieve pain, restore function, and recommend additional steps to prevent further complications.