What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
A torn rotator cuff is no joke. Whether you injured it lifting something heavy, overdid it at the gym, or got a little too enthusiastic playing backyard cricket, it can be a real pain in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint and allow movement. When these tissues tear, either partially or completely, movement becomes painful and difficult.
What Are Symptoms Of A Rotator Cuff Tear?
If you're dealing with a rotator cuff tear, you might experience:
Pain when lifting or moving your arm
Weakness in the shoulder
A crackling or popping sensation
Pain that disrupts sleep
How Can a Cortisone Injection Help?
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory steroid that can reduce swelling and pain in the shoulder joint. While it doesn’t heal the tear itself, it can provide a window of pain relief, making it easier to engage in physiotherapy. Cortisone injections are often recommended when pain is severe, there’s associated bursitis, or when rehabilitation progress is hindered.
What Are Treatment Options?
The right treatment depends on the severity of the tear:
Physiotherapy: The gold standard for most cases, involving specific exercises to restore strength and function.
Surgery: Considered a last resort for partial tears that don’t respond to rehab; full-thickness tears may require surgical intervention early on.
The Bottom Line:
A cortisone injection isn’t a magic fix, but when combined with physiotherapy, it can help you regain pain-free movement sooner. If you're struggling with shoulder pain, speak to your physiotherapist today to explore the best treatment options for you.
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