The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that keep the arm seated properly in the shoulder socket. Rotator cuff tears are common shoulder injuries among men, especially for men over the age of fifty.
Acute tears can be caused by falls, lifting something too heavy, or in conjunction with other shoulder injuries such as collarbone breaks or shoulder dislocations. Tears tend to be more prevalent among painters, carpenters, swimmers, baseball pitchers, and tennis players who make repetitive overhead motions.
Degenerative tears increase with age as tendons become worn away. Activities that were once performed with ease such as shoveling snow, chopping wood, or digging in the yard can put too much strain on an aging rotator cuff. Many tears of this type require surgery followed by extended physical therapy to repair and restore mobility.
Home health agencies provide physical therapy to help patients manage their condition, reduce pain, and restore function. Home health therapists help senior patients avoid rotator cuff injuries by teaching muscle strengthening and safe lifting techniques. They assess a patient’s home environment for hazards and create a plan to eliminate them.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the most common symptoms of a torn rotator cuff include:
Pain at rest and at night, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder
Pain when lifting and lowering your arm or with specific movements
Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
Crackling sensation when moving your shoulder in certain positions
Promote men’s health issues throughout the month of June. Partner with retail and community organizations to sponsor healthy living booths at:
Local sporting goods stores
Fitness centers
Community ball parks
Car / Boat show
Flea market
Big box stores
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