Rotator Cuff Tear -Shoulder Pain

A Rotator Cuff Tear/ shoulder pain is referred to as a tear around the shoulder, within the tissues connecting muscle to bone (tendons).  Tears are commonly brought about by overuse of the shoulder usually by repetitive movements commonly associated with throwing sports and swimmers. Common symptoms that may arise include:

• A dull ache within the shoulder
• Arm weakness and shoulder pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty reaching behind your back
• Difficulty abducting the shoulder (raising arm away from side of the body)

Common causes of shoulder pain in younger individuals, is likely due to an acute traumatic event for example lifting a heavy object or falling on an outstretched hand while older patients might not recall an event that occurred to cause the pain and present with pain felt at night. Overall patients often complain of pain whilst performing overhead activities involving reaching and throwing. Types of Rotator Cuff Tears:

• Partial Tear: The rotator cuff tendon is damaged but not completely severed (broken in two)
• Complete Tear: The tendon of the rotator cuff is torn into two separate pieces
• Acute tears: Are tears brought about by traumatic events including falling or lifting something too heavy.
• Degenerative Tear: Are rotator cuff tears caused by constant repetitive stress and general wear and tear on the muscle.

Most tears are related to poor blood supply to the tissues supplying the shoulder and are likely to occur secondary to chronic wear and tear on the tendon. Surgical repair is needed for those tears that have been completely broken, however partial tears can be rehabilitated through a strengthening program incorporating the use of cold laser therapy also known as low level laser therapy.   The cold laser therapy or low level laser therapy is an alternative medicine commonly used in many health professions in the relief of musculoskeletal conditions. The treatment utilises a non-invasive technique that incorporates a non-infrared laser beam that penetrates deep into the tissues in the aid of increasing circulation to the affected areas and reducing inflammation. Cold laser therapy can be used in the treatment of rotator cuff tears to increase the blood supply and oxygen to the surrounding tissues to promote relief of pain during movements of the shoulder joint and restore the lost strength to the area. The cold laser therapy or low level laser therapy actually helps with tissue repair. Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears by cold laser therapy (low level laser therapy) utilises two protocols in the healing of the condition. The initial phase is designed to reduce pain of the shoulder joint and increase strength to the area and involves 2-3 sessions per week consisting of 5-10 minutes and follows a decade rule (every 10 years of age, 1 session is required e.g. 50 years equals 5 sessions). The secondary phase, known as the tissue repair protocol consists of 1-2 treatments per week with a total of 10-15 sessions to gain the maximal effect of the cold laser therapy. This phase encourages the circulation of blood and oxygen to the working tissues and the reduction of any inflammation present for a rapid regrowth of the tendon tear. For a fast, cost effective and painless treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears/ shoulder pain Cold/soft laser therapy at Lakeside Laser may benefit you. Lakeside Laser offers cold laser therapy for a range of musculoskeletal injuries and is centrally located in Perth’s North. Lakeside Laser can be found at 3/45 Central Walk in Joondalup and has visitors from all around Perth including Tapping, Osborne Park, North beach, Hillary’s, Yanchep, Kingsley and Beldon. If you would like further information or would like to book an appointment feel free to give us a call on 9300 0095 or head to our website www.lakesidelaser.com.au  Our Laser team look forward to hearing from you very soon.