Rotator Cuff Injuries

One of the most coming injuries seen in a sports medicine practice are rotator cuff injuries. These injuries can be a minor as a sprain/strain to a tear of the muscle or tendon.  With a rotator cuff tear, the patient presents after an acute traumatic event, such as lifting a heavy weight or a fall on an outstretched arm. Older patients may not recall the inciting event. Patients usually complain of pain with overhead activities or weakness in lifting the arm.

The most common tears are in the supraspinatus muscle. The are generally two areas where tears occur, the anterior aspect of the shoulder or right above the shoulder blade. If the tear is minor in nature, orthopedic test will indicate the degree of the tear. MRI or arthrogram is often used to confirm this diagnosis.

Partial tears ca be rehabilitated gradually, beginning with isometrics and gradually progressing through a strengthening program. A rest period from sports or occupational activities is required. Complete tears usually require surgical intervention.

Physiotherapy, such as electric muscle stimulation or therapeutic ultrasound have demonstrated the recovery time of rotator cuff injuries. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization has also shown to be very effective when treating rotator cuff injuries. When applied properly, IATSM can be used at specific trigger points that are abnormally tight. Myofascial release can allow athletes to recover from these setbacks and continue with their regular activities at a high level.

Dr. Gibson is highly trained with rehab of shoulder injuries and works with IATSM, utilizes the graston technique, which requires additional training outside of the normal course work while in chiropractic college. He utilizes this technique on multiple collegiate athletes but also any patient that requires additional soft tissue work. He is also board certified to utilize specialized physiotherapies to help aid in the recovery process.