Shoulder pain can be more than just an inconvenience—it can limit your ability to perform daily tasks, exercise, or even sleep comfortably. One of the most common culprits behind persistent shoulder pain is a rotator cuff tear. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or chronic discomfort, understanding the nature of rotator cuff injuries can help guide you toward effective shoulder pain relief and long-term recovery.
Disclaimer: The content on this site and my posts are for educational and informational purposes only and not meant as medical advice. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. There is absolutely no assurance that any statement contained or cited in an article touching on medical matters is true, correct, precise, or up-to-date. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if you have specific questions for your own care.
What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for a wide range of motion. A tear occurs when one or more of these tendons is damaged, either through acute injury or repetitive strain over time.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Persistent shoulder pain that worsens with movement
Weakness in the affected arm
Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm
A cracking or popping sensation when moving the shoulder
Visible rotator cuff tear bruising in cases of severe injury
If you suspect a rotator cuff tear or strain, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider promptly to prevent further damage. Releaseology can evaluate this during a Releaseology session
Types of Rotator Cuff Tears
Partial Tear: The tendon is frayed or damaged but not completely severed.
Full-Thickness Tear: The tendon is torn entirely, often pulling away from the bone.
Acute Tear: Often caused by a traumatic event, such as lifting a heavy object or falling.
Degenerative Tear: Develops gradually over time due to wear and tear, often accompanied by conditions like a labrum tear shoulder.
Diagnosis Options for Rotator Cuff Tears
A proper diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound, and an evaluation of your medical history. Physical therapists and chiropractor can run special tests to lead towards the diagnosis and is all that is needed for proper treatment. But a definitive diagnosis is done through imaging
Non-Surgical Options for Rotator Cuff Tears
1. Gentle Stretching
Range of Motion movements guided by a physical therapist will ensure you continue to maintain your mobility without hurting the muscles
2. Heat and Cold Therapy
Applying heat to sore areas is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ease muscle tension and stiffness. Heat increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, and reduces pain signals. Apply a moist heating pad for 15–20 minutes. Avoid excessive heat to prevent burns. NOTE that moist heating pads are the most effective. My favorite brands are Thermophore and Thermipaq
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Cold therapy reduces inflammation and soothes painful joints
3. Postural Awareness and Form
Often times rotator cuff tears occur because of improper form. A movement specialist, such as physical therapist, can evaluate your form to assure you're not creating undue damage to your shoulder
4. Movement
Consulting a movement specialist, like a physical therapist, will ensure that you are doing the proper movements that will help your shoulder rather than hurt it
5. Acupuncture or Acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure are ancient techniques rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that provide natural, effective pain relief. Both methods work by stimulating specific points along energy pathways called meridians, helping to restore balance and promote healing in the body. Both therapies are safe, drug-free solutions that can complement conventional treatments, offering a holistic way to manage pain and support overall well-being. At Releaseology, I am certified in acupressure points and utilize this knowledge and these points in your treatment along with the dolphin neurostim MPS (see below)
Cupping Therapy Treatment uses suction to lift soft tissue, encouraging better blood flow and breaking up fascial adhesions that can restrict movement. It’s excellent for addressing tissues that feel adhered or stuck to your bones or other muscles. Cupping is included in all Releaseology sessions at no extra cost!
7. Dry Needling
Dry needling is based on the theory that trigger points (areas of muscle tension) can cause pain and other problems in the body. The insertion of the needle into the muscle works to break up the restrictions found in the muscle and relieve them. The act of insertion of the dry needle into the body, also signals healing factors into the affected area and promotes balance in the body. The overall aim of dry needling is to relieve pain and improve function, but many patients see not only improvements in muscle tension, pain and range of motion but also improved circulation and reduction in inflammation. Read more about it on my blog about dry needling. Dry needling is included in any of my Releaseology sessions, but can also be booked as a stand alone modality.
If you're not close to Tempe, find a dry needling practitioner near you here
The Dolphin Neurostim MPS uses microstimulation with DC current, which is the current that your heart and nervous system use. For pain relief, it is used stimulate acupressure points to decrease pain, decrease anxiety, decrease digestive pain, break up scar tissue and improve vagus nerve function. The results have been quite amazing, thus far! Read more about the Dolphin Neurostim MPS on my page here. The dolphin is included in any of my Releaseology sessions. If you don't live in Arizona, find a Dolphin MPS practitioner here
Disclaimer: The content on this site and my posts are for educational and informational purposes only and not meant as medical advice. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. There is absolutely no assurance that any statement contained or cited in an article touching on medical matters is true, correct, precise, or up-to-date. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if you have specific questions for your own care.
NOTE: In cases of severe damage, rotator cuff tear repair might be necessary. This typically involves reattaching the torn tendon to the bone, often using minimally invasive techniques.
Why Shoulder Injuries Sometimes Don't Heal
A shoulder injury not healing can often be attributed to delayed treatment, improper rehabilitation, or insufficient rest. Ignoring persistent pain or returning to strenuous activities too soon can exacerbate the issue. Additionally, underlying conditions like poor posture, muscular imbalances, or systemic inflammation can hinder recovery.
The Releaseology Difference in Rotator Cuff Tears
At Releaseology, I specialize in uncovering the root causes of pain and dysfunction. My holistic approach combines advanced manual techniques with cutting-edge recovery strategies to help you feel better faster. Whether you need help recovering from a rotator cuff tear, a labrum tear shoulder, or another complex shoulder pain treatment, my personalized care can make all the difference.
Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Book a session today and experience the Releaseology difference for yourself. Let’s work together to get you back to doing what you love, pain-free.
These are my three services that include an assessment and evaluation of your shoulder pain. If you have specific questions for your care, you can always e-mail me at sara@releaseology.com or text 480.712.0699 or book a free virtual consult
Medical Disclaimer
The content on this site and my posts are for educational and informational purposes only and not meant as medical advice. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. There is absolutely no assurance that any statement contained or cited in an article touching on medical matters is true, correct, precise, or up-to-date. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if you have specific questions for your own care.
Essential Oils for Pain Relief
More from Releaseology
Don't forget to check out other resources on my site! You can book a session with me here, find a list of conditions I treat here, find more about me here, learn how to regulate your own vagus nerve and nervous system here and read more on my blog here. Lastly, follow me on my social channels: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
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