The Torn Rotator Cuff Test

With so many types of shoulder injuries sometimes it can be hard to diagnose just what your problems might be. Sometimes doctors don't even know and give false diagnosis so here is the torn rotator cuff test that you can do to give you a much better idea if you have damaged your cuff in your shoulder.

Firstly look for these Torn Rotator Cuff Symptoms:

• Pain when lifting arms above the head (if you can even get that far)
• Pain right near the rotator cuff which is located around the side of the shoulder
• Pain that radiates down the arm (not everyone gets this though)
• Possible crunching or grinding sounds when moving the shoulder
• A popping sounds or feeling when moving the shoulder in certain motions

Another method to test if you have a torn rotator cuff is the arm drop test. A doctor will usually do this with you but you can try it on your own as well.

1. Lift your arm up and away from your body at 90 degrees then try to slowly lower the arm back to your side.
2. If you have a torn cuff you will find it hard to do slowly or smoothly and you may often get a total loss of muscular control where your arm simply falls without you being able to resist.

If the pain is too much to do this please see a doctor but if you want more information about diagnosing your specific shoulder injury including more torn rotator cuff tests as well as how to relive pain and heal the injury click below to find out more

Shoulder Pain No More

Torn Rotator Cuff Alternative Therapies

Torn rotator cuff alternative therapies like more alternative therapies are hotly contested on their effectiveness but for the sake of completeness and the fact that many people do find pain relief and healing in some of these therapies here are a few torn rotator cuff alternative therapies.

• Massage Therapy - While massage is usually a muscular therapy and a rotator cuff tear is a injury of the tendons that connect muscle to bone some have indicated that good massage therapy increases blood flow to the region healing faster healing to the tendons as well as loosening the muscles and tendons for further exercise.
• Acupuncture - Again this cannot help the rotator cuff itself but acupuncture has been shown to relieve swelling and inflammation in affected areas. In conjunction with other therapies this can be used to help with pain relief.
• Bee Venom Cream or Balm - This is a newer concept in alternative therapies for torn rotator cuffs. This provides a deep heat in the effected areas relieving pain and loosening joints without using heat packs too often.

For more information on all aspects of treating shoulder pain visit Shoulder Pain No more. The guide that has helps thousands of people overcome serious shoulder injures to become pain fee and mobile once again.

Shoulder Pain No More

Torn Rotator Cuff Home Remedies

Torn rotator cuff home remedies are a handy thing to know if you suffer from the debilitating pain of a rotator cuff injury. The alternatives are often surgery or lengthy and costly physiotherapy which are simply not options everyone can do or wants to do. Being able to reduce the pain and to bring about healing to your shoulder from your own home therefore is something that has a lot of appeal.

Firstly this is not about creating smelly goop to spread on your shoulder or mixing up herbs to drink though some alternative therapies like this have some supporters. This post is just about the little things you can do at home to remedy a painfully torn rotator cuff and promote healing.

Some helpful ways to remedy your shoulder are:

Initial Rest

If you have recently suffered this injury then you need to rest that shoulder. However you should not rest it too much either. Lack of movement in any body part leads to a degradation of strength with atrophy of the muscles as well as stiffening the tendons and other parts of the joint making it more prone to injury.

Also make sure if one shoulder has a torn rotator cuff then do not overdo it on the other shoulder. Many shoulder injuries come from overcompensating when you have a sore shoulder on the other side. Rest your whole body not just the one with the torn cuff!

Cold Packs

Initially you will have inflammation and swelling in the shoulder which needs to be dealt with. Application of a cold pack or just ice cubes in a towel can greatly reduce the pain and swelling. Limit how long you apply the cold pack to the shoulder to about fifteen to twenty minutes however as more than that can cause damage to the skin and shoulder.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Some foods are excellent at helping with reducing inflammation and swelling as well as helping joint health in general. A combination of high protein, high omega 3 fatty acids and high fiber foods are recommended so try to eat more of these foods:

• Chili
• Garlic
• Rosemary
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Green Leafy Vegetables
• Berries

And stay away from high fat foods and oils. Avoid these kinds of foods:

• Fatty Meat
• Sugar
• White Bread
• Processed Foods
• Too much dairy food
• Eggs

Hot Packs

Once you have treated the inflammation you will need to start the healing process. After all the rest and cold packs though your shoulder will be stiff and probably still sore. Using a heat pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can help dull then pain and loosen up the joint which is important for the next step.

Torn Rotator Cuff Stretches

Your shoulder will never heal properly if you do not exercise it to strengthen the muscles around it and also increase your mobility in the joint. While the temptation is to leave it to heal exercise actually creates more healing opportunities in the body as long as you do not overdo it.

For more information on how to stretch for a torn rotator cuff home remedies and more click below for a complete guide.

Shoulder Pain No More