Facebook Instagram Pinterest Linkedin
Book an Appointment

Rotator Cuff Strains and Tears

Schedule an appointment

Rotator Cuff Strains and Tears - How Chiropractic Care Can Help

If you’ve ever dealt with shoulder pain, you know how limiting it can be. A painful shoulder can interfere with daily activities, from brushing your hair to reaching for something on a shelf. One of the most common culprits? A rotator cuff injury.

What Is the Rotator Cuff?

Rotator cuff strains and tears can happen suddenly, but often, they result from repetitive strain or gradual wear and tear over time. Some common causes include:

  • Overuse: Repetitive overhead activities, like lifting, throwing, or swimming, can strain the shoulder and lead to injury over time.
  • Acute injuries: A fall, lifting something too heavy, or a sudden movement can cause a rotator cuff tear.
  • Injury or weakness of surrounding muscles: Your shoulder has 30 muscles, 17 of which attach directly to your shoulder blade. These four little rotator cuff muscles often get injured because the other muscles aren’t working well.
  • Aging: As we age, the tendons in the rotator cuff become more prone to degeneration, leading to tears or tendinopathy (tendon inflammation).

The Prevalence of Asymptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears

Interestingly, rotator cuff tears aren’t always painful. Research shows that many people have asymptomatic rotator cuff tears—meaning they have tears but no noticeable pain or dysfunction.

Aging is a significant factor here. Studies reveal that about 25% of people in their 60s and over 50% of those in their 80s have rotator cuff tears, often without any symptoms. Similarly, rotator cuff tendinopathy (inflammation and degeneration of the tendons) becomes more common as we age.

Prevention of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Preventing rotator cuff injuries is all about maintaining shoulder strength and flexibility. Regular exercises to keep the shoulder, including the neck and upper back muscles  strong and mobile, and  improving body mechanics can help prevent injuries. If you have a job or hobby that involves repetitive overhead movements, taking breaks and stretching can reduce strain on your shoulder.

Rotator cuff injuries, whether strains or tears are common but treatable. Even if you’re not currently experiencing pain, asymptomatic rotator cuff tears and tendinopathy are common, especially as we age. Conservative treatment options, like chiropractic care and rehabilitation exercises, offer effective paths to recovery, helping you restore function and prevent further injury.

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain or want to learn more about keeping your shoulders healthy, contact Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center for personalized care and treatment options. We can help you regain full function and get back to your favorite activities.

Treatment for Rotator Cuff Strains and Tears

The good news is that most rotator cuff injuries, whether strains or tears, can be treated conservatively (without surgery). 

  1. Chiropractic Care
    Chiropractors can help restore proper movement in the shoulder joint, neck, and upper back and reduce pain through adjustments, soft tissue work, and guided exercises. By addressing any joint misalignment or muscle imbalances, chiropractors aim to improve mobility and promote healing.
  2. Rest and Activity Modification
    During the initial healing phase, avoiding activities that aggravate the shoulder may be necessary. However, complete rest is not usually recommended, as gentle movement and guided exercises can speed up recovery. It’s very important to stay as active and mobile as possible to prevent loss of strength and mobility. 
  3. Red Light Therapy and Frequency Specific Microcurrent
    Advanced therapies, such as red light therapy and microcurrent treatments, can promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and improve the recovery process for rotator cuff injuries.
  4. Strength and Mobility Exercises
    Functional rehabilitation focusing on strengthening the shoulder muscles and improving joint mobility is vital to long-term recovery. This includes exercises to activate the rotator cuff muscles, such as resistance band work, stretches, and mobility drills.  Working on mobility in the spine is essential to allow the shoulder muscles to move more efficiently.

Surgical Intervention

Surgery may be necessary to repair a torn rotator cuff in more severe cases. This is usually considered when conservative treatments fail or when the tear is extensive. However, with proper conservative treatment, many people can avoid surgery.

Schedule an appointment

Our Clients Are Great! The Best!

Dr. Deborah Morrone is extremely knowledgeable about the human body. She is able to get to the true source of problems and correct dysfunctions. It is amazing how she can pinpoint the cause and I often hear patients say, "How did you KNOW that?" She invests extensive time in furthering her training and researching individual patients issues. She honestly knows more about my families general health concerns than any of our other doctors. If you have had surgery or are planning to have surgery, it is well worth seeking out Dr. Morrone for scar management. Besides, she is friendly, approachable, and very efficient!
Sara S.

Contact

Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center

5301 Buckeystown Pike #210 Frederick, MD 21704

Contact Us

(301) 695-0032

Office Hours

Mon - Wed 8:30am - 1pm, 3 - 6pm | Thu 10am - 3pm | Fri 8:30am - 3pm

Email Us

[email protected]

Follow Us On Social

Facebook Instagram Pinterest Linkedin

© 2025 Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center

Website design and digital marketing by C Clark Consulting.

Accessibility     Anti-Discrimination     Healthcare Disclaimer     HIPAA Policy     Privacy Policy     Terms and Conditions