Over the years treating patients complaining about shoulder pain we have noticed that most of you often neglected to work out their shoulders in the cooler winter months spent indoors. In particular the rotator cuff, an area of the shoulder we treat almost daily. Heres our Rotator Cuff Guide For The Gold Coast and an image breakdown.
The term rotator cuff refers to a group of tendons and muscles that work to move and stabilise the shoulder joint.
But how do hurt your rotator cuff?
Rotator cuff injuries can occur as a result of direct trauma or gradual wear and tear of your shoulder.
Rotator cuff injuries are often recognisable by a few key symptoms:
- Limited shoulder range of movement
- Pain with different shoulder movements
- Tenderness on palpation
- Diffuse ache around the outside of the shoulder and upper arm
- Weakness in your shoulder and arms
You may also experience:
- Waking in the night when rolling onto shoulder
- Pain down the arm to the elbow
What can you do to help fix your rotator cuff?
Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history through subjective questioning. They will then perform a few physical tests of your shoulder to help determine a diagnosis. Imaging will often be requested by your physiotherapist or GP to determine the extent of rotator cuff damage, or for a more specific diagnosis. More severe rotator cuff injuries will require referral to a surgeon or specialist, however less severe rotator cuff injuries often respond extremely well to physiotherapy.
After your assessment, you will be provided with exercises, specific to your injury. The goal of physiotherapy is to reduce your pain and increase function. Your therapist will equip you with the knowledge an exercise program to do so. Heat and pharmaceuticals can also play a role in symptom management of rotator cuff injuries.
What can you do to prevent rotator cuff injuries?
Before you dust the cobwebs off your surfboard or give SUPing another go, make sure your shoulders are nice and strong. There are a few simple home exercises that your physio can teach you. Alternatively, you might like to try pilates classes with a qualified instructor to keep you injury free and in the water all day long.
Thats a wrap for our Rotator Cuff Guide For The Gold Coast. We hope you enjoyed it.
What to Expect From Rotator Cuff Guide at Ace Health Centre
Patients who book Rotator Cuff Guide with our team get a clinic-grade assessment, a clear plain-language plan, and a structured progression rather than a one-off appointment. Furthermore, we coordinate care across podiatry, physiotherapy, dietetics and exercise physiology where relevant, so you are not bouncing between clinics. Authoritative information on this topic is also available from Healthdirect Australia if you would like to read further before booking. As a result, you walk in informed and walk out with a plan you understand.
For more on what we do, see our main service page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rotator Cuff Guide
Do I need a referral? No referral is needed for physiotherapy in private practice. With a GP Chronic Disease Management plan you may be eligible for bulk-billed sessions.
Is physiotherapy covered by health funds? Most private health extras with physio cover offer a rebate. We process HICAPS on the spot, so you walk out knowing your gap.
How many sessions will I need? Acute issues usually settle in 4-6 sessions. Longer-standing conditions may need a 6-12 week structured program. Your physio will give a clear plan at the first assessment.
Book Your Rotator Cuff Guide Appointment
Ready to get started? Call (07) 5572 6222 or book online. In addition, new patients can use our no-gap initial consult — straightforward, no surprises.
