he shoulder (glenohumeral joint) is a very shallow ball and socket joint where the humerus (arm bone) meets the scapula (shoulder blade). Its many bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons allow it a wide range of motion and flexibility when the joint is healthy. In fact, the design allows for the widest range of motion of any joint in the body. Unfortunately for us, shoulder injuries are not uncommon and can cause pain and stiffness in the joint.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that envelop the entire joint in order to stabilize the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade, and upper arm bone.
Rotator cuff injuries are separated into RSI (repetitive strain injuries) and traumatic injuries. Just like with any RSI, the tendons and muscles in an area become weaker with time and, as they start to wear thin, tears are more likely. Repetitive strain injuries are more commonly the cause of rotator cuff injuries, but this is also symptomatic of age.
For most people under the age of 60, rotator cuff injuries are usually caused by a traumatic event that causes a quick tear. These injuries usually begin as inflammation caused by some form of small but continuous source of irritation (i.e. repetitive overhead motions from sporting activities, work tasks or daily chores) which can lead to severe tendonitis or bursitis.
Another common shoulder condition is frozen shoulder. The cause of frozen shoulder is not really well known. The other term for frozen shoulder,adhesive capsulitis, explains the condition perfectly. Adhesive means scarring and capsulitis, inflammation of the capsule. Essentially, the shoulder joint gradually loses range of motion as the capsule contracts and forms scar tissue leaving the shoulder stiff. Stiffness usually translates to pain, and like a feedback loop your pain limits your movement as you continue to get stiffer and experience more pain.
The biggest concern for those suffering from a shoulder injury; RSI, trauma, or frozen shoulder, is returning to regular activity too soon. Often you will notice a great improvement early on; however the injury may still be present even though pain has subsided. The more diligent you are with your treatment and rehabilitation, the faster you will see successful results.
Anyone who has suffered a significant rotator cuff injury knows that risk of re-injury is high. The Inferno Wrap® provides you with the tools necessary to relieve your shoulder pain and dramatically speed the healing. It provides you with the means to be more than diligent, allowing for a speedy and complete recovery! The faster and stronger you heal your tendons, the less chance there is for re-injury. The tendons are tough dense tissues that normally receive very little blood flow. This is largely why tendon injuries take so long to heal. When using Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™, the energy waves stimulate blood flow which speeds up healing to regain strength in the tissue.
Rotator Cuff Treatments
Your initial treatment should involve decreasing any swelling, relieving any pain and stress on the rotator cuff, correcting any biomechanical dysfunction, and then restoring strength and mobility to your injured shoulder. It’s also very important to follow any instructions you receive from your physician.
Allowing your shoulder to rest is recommended following injury, however, some careful shoulder movement is required to prevent the joint from freezing and losing range of motion. See your doctor or physical therapist for stretchesthat will not cause further injury to your rotator cuff. Avoid activities that may have caused the injury or irritation and begin cold compressiontreatments as soon as possible.
The trick to healing your rotator cuff injury and getting your shoulder back in the best possible condition you can is getting it to heal quickly so there is minimal scar tissue. Even with optimum healing, there is always less elasticity in previously injured rotator cuff tendons, muscles and ligaments. However, if you heal your tissue properly, yourchance of re-injury or chronic shoulder conditions later on is much lower than average.