How Massage Can Help Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff problems are fairly common, whether through overuse due to swimming, tennis, or manual labor or because of an injury from an accident or fall. As with many types of injuries, massage can help rotator cuff injuries by supporting the body in its healing process.

The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and the tendons that surround your shoulder. These four muscles work together to hold the ball of the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket and allow for proper movement of the shoulder. When one of the four muscles is injured, it restricts movement in the area and can cause minor or severe pain.

There are several types of injuries that can occur in the rotator cuff.

· Tendonitis – Overuse injuries are typically tendonitis, when tendons become inflamed and painful.

· Bursitis – Bursae are fluid-filled cushions between bones and other tissue. When they become inflamed, in this case between tendons and the shoulder joint, it is known as bursitis. Injury, overuse, infection, and arthritis are all possible causes of bursitis.

· Tendon Strain and Tear – Tendons connect muscle to bone. When tendons in the rotator cuff are strained or torn due to overuse or acute injury, pain and loss of movement can occur. Strained tendons can progress to tears if left untreated.

· Shoulder Impingement – When the rotator cuff catches on the bones of the shoulder, it rubs and create inflammation and swelling. Shoulder impingement is a common cause of shoulder pain and can progress to a rotator cuff tear.

Many types of rotator cuff injuries can benefit from massage therapy, but not all. If the pain is related to muscle or tendon strain and there’s not a complete tear in the tendon, massage therapy can be useful. Massage gently stretches the muscles, increases circulation, and promotes the oxygenation of the muscles to speed healing. Massage can also relax the muscles surrounding the area and help correct posture and overcompensation for injury.

Depending on the severity of injury, shoulder impingement can benefit from massage as well. Massage helps reduce inflammation, lessen scar tissue formation, and realign the muscle fibers, all of which can significantly reduce pain.

When surgery is necessary to correct rotator cuff injuries, massage can be a useful tool during the recovery period. It reduces scar tissue formation and relaxes the muscles to speed healing.

A lot of minor shoulder injuries respond well to self-care with rest, ice, heat, and gentle massage. More serious injuries require medical attention, including injuries with intense pain or inability to move the shoulder and those with swelling, redness, or warmth that could indicate an infection.

If you’re having minor shoulder pain, talk with your massage therapist at your next appointment so we can customize your massage to focus on that area. If you’ve suffered a more serious rotator cuff injury, consider talking to your doctor about adding massage therapy as part of your treatment plan.