Body Mind & Soul
Therapeutic Massage Therapy
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The tendons at the ends of the rotator cuff muscles can become torn, leading to pain and restricted movement of the arm. A torn rotator cuff can occur following a trauma to the shoulder or it can associated with repeated overhead motions.
My personal theory is that nerves sometimes become trapped due to increased muscle mass or knots caused by repetitive motion or years of wear and tear in that general area. During the body's natural healing process, there may be tissue that adheres improperly which impinges a nerve. All of this contributes to a blockage of the natural energy flow within the body.
The Rotator cuff consists of four main muscles:
1. Supraspinatus muscles abduct the arm.
2. Infraspinatus muscles externally rotate the arm.
3. Teres minor muscles externally rotate the arm.
4. Subscapularis muscles internally rotate the humerus.
My Personal Experience with Rotator Cuff Issues
After experiencing extreme pain and limitations with rotator cuff problems myself, I can tell you that it isn't fun. Life goes on as usually until all of the sudden the pain grabs you and makes you want to scream. I couldn't brush my hair, reach into the back seat of my car or even shift gears using my right hand.
At the time I was doing an apprenticeship with a student that was training to become a massage therapist. I had been using my ETPS units for about a year but didn't realize at the time just how effective they really are. At the time it was pretty much a desperate experiment. I would tell my student what to do and he would work on me accordingly.
When applied, the ETPS units (shockers for short) send a direct current in which the results are similar to acupuncture. We would work the entire neck, scapula, shoulder, pectoral area and down my arm. The protocol used was a combination of massaging, shocking (ETPS), more rubbing and a lot of stretching. You know when your in a good spot when the shockers get louder and you feel the effect more at the same time. The more you shock an area the less the pain is felt. All massaging and stretching is done according to the clients pain level so it is essential to get constant feedback.
At the end of the session, the client will rotate their arm around and specify where it hurts or catches. That specific area is then worked to alleviate more pain. It only took a few sessions before I was back to normal and feeling great. Whenever I feel it starting to return I treat it immediately an it goes away.
Since that time, I have worked on a number of people having similar problems that were sure getting operated on would be the only solution but contrary to what most people believe, in many cases surgery can be and has been avoided.
Icing...
Remember to ice the sore areas to reduce inflammation and alleviate some of the pain. The soft gel ice packs work great.
Strengthening Exercises...
External Rotation: Lie on side with your elbow resting on stomach. Slowly rotate arm upwards until your lower arm is just above horizontal. This exercise can be initiated using a 2-3 pound dumbbell.
Forward Elevation from a Prone Position: Lie on stomach with your arm hanging down vertically, but with your thumb facing forward. Slowly raise arm in a forward sweep to an angle of about 45 degrees (don't go any higher).
Prone Rowing Action: Begin in the same setup as before but with your thumb is facing towards the body. Perform a rowing action with the elbow level with the shoulder as shown.
External Rotation w/ Resistance Band: Take a position holding the band across your abdomen, with a rolled towel under your arm. Slowly rotate arm horizontally until it is pointing forward, and hold for three seconds.
Standing Elevation: Holding onto your weights, do a flapping motion - as shown.
Rowing with a Resistance Band:
Using the same set up as before, but this time with the hands held horizontal. Start a rowing motion as shown.
Horizontal Abduction using a Resistance Band: Face the attachment point for the band, with your hands holding the handles and extended forward. Slowly pull both arm backwards and out to the side. Keep your arms at shoulder height. As you do this exercise, pull your shoulder blades back and inwards at the same time.
Arm lift from a Prone Position: The arrow shows the movement.
Weighted Scapula Crunch: From an extended pushup position, rotate the weight of your body from one side to the other.
Horizontal Abduction in Prone Position: Lie on stomach with your arm hanging down vertically with your thumb facing forward. Slowly lift your arm up to a horizontal position (not higher as it will cause strain).