September 7, 2020 - Smith Performance Center

Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Pain

Craig Smith September 7, 2020

Understanding the Rotator Cuff Anatomy and Function There is a list of classic complaints I hear due to shoulder pain: I have trouble reaching behind my back. Putting on clothing hurts. Reaching for objects causes a spike in pain. I have trouble getting my arm overhead. I feel like one arm is weaker than the other, and fatigues quickly. I cannot throw. I have trouble sleeping on my shoulder due to pain. I have pain that runs down my arm. I have shoulder pain and now I have neck pain. Often, these complaints are caused by an injury to the rotator cuff. How do the anatomy and function of the rotator cuff impact physical therapy? What is my rotator cuff injury? How long till my rotator cuff injury is better? Shoulder Overview The shoulder is a complex joint. It is involved in most daily activities. Once it

Shoulder Pain Everything Hurts

Craig Smith September 7, 2020

Why is everything hurting? “I feel threatened by my shoulder. How can EVERYTHING hurt?” This is an actual quote from a patient with chronic shoulder pain. We see patients who are surprised by how debilitating intense shoulder pain can be. They struggle to reach for objects overhead, behind them, or to the side. They struggle with putting on clothes and getting dressed. They struggle with self-care activities like grooming and bathing. They struggle with seemingly minor household activities: cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. They struggle to find a position they can even be comfortable in. Their shoulder pain affects how they sleep. They start to complain of shoulder pain causing neck pain, upper back pain, or pain down the arm. They cannot work out due to pain. Sometimes, even something like walking causes shoulder pain. Their activity is drastically constrained. When symptoms are this intense for a prolonged period