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Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "

Case study ( 6100 views as of April 19, 2024 )

Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder in her garage, trying to change the light bulb in the garage door opener. Due to its position on the ceiling and the bikes in the garage, she had to lean out to reach. She felt the ladder start to shift, and grabbed an overhead beam to prevent a nasty fall, but jerked her shoulder in the process.

Rachel managed to prevent a fall, but felt she couldn’t hold on to the ladder with her right arm due to shoulder pain. She iced it overnight, then went to her family doctor the next day. The doctor examined her shoulder and told her that she might have torn her rotator cuff. The doctor said he’d be able to tell a bit more in a week or so when the swelling and acute pain had settled down a bit.

Rachel may have also opted to go to an urgent care clinic at the time of her injury. Depending on the result of a follow-up consultation, Rachel could potentially benefit from seeing a physiotherapist, massage therapist or bracing/support specialist. She may also be referred to a get a private MRI and have a consultation with a personal trainer/athletic therapist and a pharmacist.

Author: Dr. Adam Lund

Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "

Case Introduction

Treatment Options For Acute and Chronic Rotator Cuff Injuries

Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendon Pain and Tears

Presented by

Dr. Patrick Chin

MD, MBA, FRCSC,

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Shoulder Surgery - Orthopaedic

Shoulder Surgery - Orthopaedic ( 30 engaged.)

Open and print the educational action plan for conversation with your Healthcare provider.

Shoulder Surgery - Orthopaedic

Treatments

Treatment Options For Rotator Cuff Injuries

Practitioner help from:

George Taouil

Physiotherapist
Benefits Of the R.I.C.E. Regime In Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries

Practitioner help from:

George Taouil

Physiotherapist
Shoulder Exercises In Managing Rotator Cuff Injuries

Practitioner help from:

Aaron English

Athletic Therapist

Treatments

Neuromuscular Massage Therapy For Rotator Cuff Injuries

Practitioner help from:

Krista Mcconnell

Massage Therapist
MRI Scans In Assessing Rotator Cuff Injuries

Practitioner help from:

Dr. Mitchell Abrams

Radiologist
How Can A Pharmacist Help Manage Your Rotator Cuff Injury

Practitioner help from:

Tammy Maure

Pharmacist

17

Conversation based on: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "

Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "

Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 31 December 2023

In general, the initial treatment for a dislocated shoulder involves reducing the dislocation, which means putting the upper arm bone back into the socket. This should only be done by a healthcare professional, as attempting to do it yourself or by someone who is not properly trained can cause further damage. After the shoulder has been put back into place, physiotherapy may be recommended to help regain strength, range of motion, and stability in the shoulder joint. A physiotherapist can provide exercises and techniques to promote healing, reduce pain and swelling, and improve overall function of the shoulder. The specific exercises and treatment plan will depend on the severity of the dislocation and any associated injuries. Physiotherapy for a dislocated shoulder may include: Range of motion exercises: These exercises help restore the normal range of motion in the shoulder joint. They may include gentle stretching and guided movements. Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint is crucial for stability and to prevent future dislocations. The physiotherapist will prescribe exercises to target specific muscles. Stability and proprioception training: Proprioception refers to the body's ability to sense its position in space. Training exercises can help improve the shoulder's stability and proprioception, reducing the risk of future dislocations. Pain management techniques: Physiotherapists may use various techniques such as manual therapy, ice or heat therapy, and electrical modalities to help manage pain and reduce inflammation. It is important to follow the guidance and recommendations of your healthcare professional and physiotherapist, as they will tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and monitor your progress. They can also provide advice on preventing future dislocations and any necessary precautions or modifications for your daily activities or sports. Remember, if you suspect a dislocated shoulder, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Reply to: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "
Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 05 May 2022

In general the prognosis for reverse shoulder replacement surgery is good when considering pain relief and functioning (being able to lift arm up) of the shoulder. Reverses shoulder replacement surgery is for patients with a specific type of arthritis called, 'cuff tear arthropathy'. Long term prognosis for survivability of the prosthesis in reverse shoulder replacement surgery is still unknown and hard to predict as the designs of the materials have developed and progressed a lot over the last 10 years.

Reply to: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "
K. Michael 17 August 2015

Is a rotator cuff injury the type of injury that always ends in developing arthritis ?

Reply to: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "
Joy 27 April 2015

How long does the recovery period generally generally last for a rotator cuff injury?

Reply to: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "
- K. Michael 09 July 2015
  
  I think that it depends on the severity of the injury. I know some people who were left with permanent issues. They were able to regain some mobility but not full
Julianne Petersen Acupuncturist, Vancouver, BC 22 February 2015

Acupuncture and Cupping Therapy would help to detoxify the muscles that feed the area. Blood is like penicillin for the body so increasing circulation is very important to promote healing.

Reply to: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "
- Julianne Petersen Acupuncturist, Vancouver, BC 27 July 2015
  
  The benefits of Cupping for the Rotator Cuff is similar in that it activates detox and drainage of waste from the muscle and promoting circulation to allow the stagnation to be carried through the blood and skin detoxing the muscle.
- K. Michael 27 July 2015
  
  Is the benefit of cupping therapy similar to lymphatic massage on an injury such as this one to the rotator cuff ?
ShirleyG 08 February 2015

What is the best course of action if you are diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury ?

Reply to: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "
ShirleyG 08 February 2015

What is the most common cause of a rotator cuff injury ?

Reply to: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "
- K. Michael 08 March 2015
  
  I think that depending on the severity the treatment is generally physiotherapy including lots of strength training to strengthen the area around the joint
Bernadette van der Boom-Bebb 04 February 2015

If she desires to have an immediate view of the injuries incurred, she should consider going to a private MRI clinic. These can be booked quickly and the results are sometimes given right after the scan.

Reply to: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "
Yuan Lew, MSc MBA 23 December 2014

Will a physiotherapist have recommendations on reducing pain and further chronic rotator cuff injury?

Reply to: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "
- K. Michael 04 January 2015
  
  In my case my physiotherapist was able to build an exercise regime to strengthen the joint as much as possible to reduce pain.
K. Michael 03 December 2014

Massage therapy is also a valuable tool in dealing with joint pain

Reply to: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "
- Joy 06 April 2015
  
  My massage therapist was a tremendous help in helping me recover from a rotator cuff injury.
K. Michael 29 November 2014

I have tendonitis in my shoulder as a result of a car accident. I found acupuncture to be very effective and controlling pain

Reply to: Rotator Cuff Injuries - Chronic and Acute " Rachel is a 33-year-old female who was up on a ladder "

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