A injury is caused by either a tear or irritation of one of four muscles and tendons that feed into the shoulder. According the staff at Mayoclinic.com, symptoms can include pain, tenderness and weakness in the shoulder, especially while lifting the arm overhead, and a less shoulder range of motion. Alternative or non-medical treatments can include rest, immobilization, ice, heat, various supplements, massage and exercise.
Rest, Ice & Heat
Some rotator cuff injuries can heal on their own, especially if the tear is minor, per the University of Michigan Health Center. The first step in treating any rotator cuff injury is to eliminate all physical activity for awhile. During this time, compress the ice directly against your shoulder at 20-minute intervals to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. Repeat ice therapy about every three or four hours. Use an ice pack or towel for the ice. Never apply it directly against your skin as you can suffer frostbite. Ice reduces pain by limiting the flow of blood to the tendon. After the initial inflammation has subsided, use a heating pad for 20 minutes throughout the day, allowing at least an hour to elapse between treatments.
Massage
Deep tissue massage can be highly effective for cuff injury. Massage relaxes nerves and muscles. Massage can also keep your shoulder flexible and increase its range of motion. Deep transverse friction massage has been known to be an effective alternative treatment for rotator cuff injuries. This method basically entails rubbing across the tendons and muscles for 15 to 20 minutes. The deep transverse friction massage method is known to cause vasodilation, which is an increase in blood supply. Vasodilation promotes healing as the blood carries oxygen and nutrients that are necessary for healing.
Exercise
Stretching and resistance exercises is one of the best alternative treatments for a injury. One simple stretching is to grab your elbow and pull it toward your chest. Hold that position for 15 to 30 seconds, then relax. Repeat this movement several times. Shrugging the shoulders can also help your rotator cuff injury. Once you can perform basic stretching movements without pain, resistance exercises with light dumbbells can help build strength into your rotator cuff muscles. Lie on a bench or edge of a bed with a dumbbell. Lower your arm and dumbbell down with your arm bent at 90 degrees. Raise the dumbbell up toward your shoulder by moving just your hand and forearm while keeping your upper arm pressed against the bed.
Supplements & Diet
Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are believed to help rotator cuff injuries as these supplements contain substances that are found naturally in the body. Other supplements that may alleviate pain and inflammation for your rotator cuff injury include fish oil, flax seed oil and antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. Vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals that can enhance the healing process.
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