Rotator cuff problems have afflicted us at one or the other point of time in our lives. These make basic activities such as brushing, getting dressed, and combing one’s hair difficult.

Rotator cuff problems could afflict anyone, but athletes and sports persons are more vulnerable to this disease.

Some Other Names Used to Refer to Rotator Cuff Problems Include:

• Swimmer’s shoulder
• Tennis shoulder
• Pitcher’s shoulder
• Shoulder impingement syndrome

Muscles and tendons attached to bones present in the shoulder joint make the rotator cuff. These keep the shoulder stable and also allow a range of motion.

The rotator cuff is made of four muscles and their tendons which help the shoulder to function. The humerus is attached to the scapula that sits right under the glenoid cavity. The ball and the socket help the regular function of the shoulder.

Rotator Cuff Pain is Likely to Occur When:

The arm stays in the same position for elongated periods of time. Like when one works on the computer for a long number of hours. If you then to sleep in a particular position over your shoulder, then you might experience an excruciating pain from the neck and shoulder. There won’t be any relief from the rotator cuff pain.

One goes for outdoor sports which need one to move the arm overhead. Some such sports are tennis, pitching while playing baseball and swimming.

Working in a way which requires the arm to stay overhead for a long time. People involved with painting and carpentry more vulnerable to rotator cuff problems.

Bad posture could over time lead to problems of the rotator cuff.

Rotator cuff issues could arise as an effect of aging. The rotator cuff pain will not relieve the patients if it’s not given timely treatment.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff tears could sometimes lead to intense pain on occurrence. The tendons may no more be attached to the top of the humerus.

Some of the Symptoms Associated with Rotator Cuff Pain Include:

• Swelling or pain towards the front or side of shoulders
• Pain while sleeping or taking rest, especially if you lie on the arm that has been affected
• Pain and weakness when one moves or lifts the arm
• Stiffness of the arm
• A snapping sound when one raises the arm
• Pain while extending the arm towards the back. It may pain even when the arm is motionless.

Some of the Best Ways to Ensure Rotator Cuff Pain Relief

Timely treatment of rotator cuff problems works towards ensuring effective relief from discomfort. Let’s run through some of the most basic ways to find everyday relief from rotator cuff pain.

• Apply an Ice Pack
  If you injure your shoulder, apply an ice pack on and around the area immediately. This would reduce the swelling, and is likely to give you relief from rotator cuff pain. One of the most effective ways to go about the same is to apply the ice pack for 15 minutes. Once the pain reduces, you may choose to go ahead with the routine three times a day.
• Take Rest
  Take more rest while you suffer from a rotator cuff injury. This would allow the natural healing mechanisms of the body to heal the injury faster. One must try and limit overhead activities while the rotator cuff pain persists.
• Go for a Heating Pad
  Heat could be very effective in accentuating the healing process. Therefore, you may choose to go for a moist heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes every day.
• Physical Therapy
  Physical therapy is effective for ensuring relief from problems relating to the rotator cuff. This involves a set of exercises which improve strength and flexibility of muscles. Physical therapy speeds up the process of healing. This is productive for healing issues such as stiff shoulder and shoulder impingement. One of the best ways to avail physical therapy is to combine it with your daily workouts.
• Slight Changes in Your Diet
  Following a healthy diet helps reduce discomfort arising from rotator cuff injury. One should go for foods high in Omega-3 acids, antioxidants, minerals, and fatty acids. These allow one to overcome inflammation. Some such healing foods are leafy greens, beetroot, pineapple, and walnuts.
• Natural Painkillers
  Some essential oils act as natural painkillers. These are useful when one is suffering from rotator cuff pain or shoulder pain. One such example is peppermint essential oil. For effective pain relief, rub the peppermint essential oil on and around the shoulder twice a day. This would speed up the healing process to a great extent. Peppermint essential oil is a natural muscle relaxant. For best results, you can blend the peppermint oil with almond oil or coconut oil before you use it.

Some of the other most effective oils for ensuring pain relief are arnica and lavender oils.

If you go for the above-mentioned methods, it will speed up the healing process. This would make everyday activities such as cooking and using the computer easier.