The Rotator Cuff Treatment Experts in Bend, OR
Do you have pain in your shoulder that radiates into your upper arm? Your pain may only appear with certain shoulder movements, such as fastening your seat belt or combing your hair. Or maybe your shoulder pain worsens at night? If any of these sound familiar, you may have rotator cuff tendonitis.
Rotator cuff tendonitis is the most common cause of shoulder pain that we see at Alpine Physical Therapy. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint, known as the glenohumeral joint, is a ball and socket type joint that allows 360 degrees of movement. The rotator cuff’s role is to keep the upper arm firmly within the shoulder socket with arm movement. It functions both as a stabilizer for support or as the primary mover dependent on the specific activity one is performing.
What is Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?
Rotator cuff tendonitis occurs when there is inflammation and irritation of one or more of the tendons of the rotator cuff. This may occur suddenly in the case of an injury or slowly over time, most often related to overuse or degenerative wear and tear.
Risk Factors Associated with Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Repetitive or overhead arm movements
- Weakness or muscle imbalances
- Tightness/Flexibility Restrictions
- Poor Posture
- Sports participation
- Age (increased incidence >40)
- Shoulder/Acromioclavicular Arthritis
What are the common symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?
The most common symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include:
- Pain that radiates from the front to the side of the arm
- Dull ache may be present at rest
- Pain when performing overhead activities or reaching out to the side
- Difficulty sleeping/lying on the involved arm
- Weakness/Pain when lifting
Why Choose Alpine PT for the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?
Physical therapy is an excellent nonsurgical treatment strategy for rotator cuff tendonitis. Early intervention is beneficial in stopping your condition from worsening and facilitating treatment strategies that promote healing and return to function. As movement experts, the physical therapists at Alpine will assess your movements, flexibility, and strength and design a program tailored to your specific presentation.
Our one-on-one model and consistent care are particularly beneficial when treating rotator cuff injuries, as they allow for a wide range of treatment options and give us time to meet your specific goals and needs. Depending on your injury, treatment often begins with patient education, activity modifications, specific stretches, and hands-on therapy to improve range of motion and relieve tightness and discomfort. As you improve, strength exercises are prescribed to address areas of weakness and instability in the shoulder. Our focus is to get you back to the activities you love and enjoy and prevent any recurrence risks.
Ready to Get Started? Here’s How to Find a Rotator Cuff Tendonitis Physical Therapist in Bend, OR
If you have shoulder pain, consider scheduling an appointment with Alpine Physical Therapy. Untreated, an inflamed tendon may degenerate over time, leading to loss of ability and increased risk of tearing, causing a more serious condition. The sooner we evaluate your shoulder, the sooner you can begin to feel better due to improved mobility and strength. Early intervention results in fewer visits to the PT and a speedier recovery. Don’t let shoulder pain keep you from doing the activities you love. A referral is not required to receive a PT evaluation in Oregon. However, if subsequent care is needed, we will work with you to get any necessary referrals for future appointments.
At Alpine, our PTs come from various backgrounds and specialties. If you want to say goodbye to pain caused by rotator cuff tendonitis and reduce the recurrence risk, look no further. We have a team of highly skilled physical therapists on the east and west sides of Bend who would love to assist you in your recovery.