28/11/2025
✅ What is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and help with arm movements like lifting and rotating.
Muscles involved:
1. Supraspinatus – Abduction of the arm.
2. Infraspinatus – External rotation.
3. Teres Minor – External rotation.
4. Subscapularis – Internal rotation.
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
It refers to strain, tear, or inflammation of one or more of these muscles or their tendons. It can range from tendinitis to partial or complete tear.
🎯 Common Causes:
Repetitive overhead activity (sports like tennis, swimming)
Heavy lifting
Trauma or fall on shoulder
Age-related degeneration
Poor posture
🔍 Symptoms:
Dull ache in shoulder
Pain during overhead activity or at night
Weakness in lifting or rotating arm
Clicking or popping sound
Limited range of motion
🧪 Diagnosis:
Clinical tests: Empty Can Test, Drop Arm Test, Hawkins-Kennedy, Neer’s Test
Imaging: MRI, Ultrasound, or X-ray (to rule out bone spurs or calcification)
💪 Physiotherapy Treatment:
1. Pain Management:
Ice therapy (15–20 mins, 3–4x/day)
Ultrasound therapy
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
2. Range of Motion (ROM):
Pendulum exercise
Passive arm circles
3. Strengthening (after pain decreases):
Theraband exercises (internal & external rotation)
Wall push-ups
Scapular stabilization (like rowing exercises)
4. Postural Correction:
Strengthen scapular muscles
Avoid forward head posture
5. Functional Training:
Gradual return to work/sports activities
When is Surgery Needed?
Large full-thickness tear
Non-responsiveness to physiotherapy (after 3–6 months)
Severe loss of function
Prevention Tips:
Warm-up before activity
Strengthen rotator cuff and scapular muscles
Maintain proper posture
Avoid repetitive overhead motions when tired
🧊 Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It usually develops slowly and progresses through three stages:
1. Freezing Stage (Painful):
Gradual onset of shoulder pain
Limited motion begins
2. Frozen Stage (Stiff):
Pain may reduce
Movement becomes more restricted
3. Thawing Stage:
Slow improvement in motion
Full recovery can take months
✅ Causes & Risk Factors:
After shoulder injury or surgery
Diabetes
Prolonged immobilization
Thyroid disorders
Age 40–60, more common in females
Exercises for Frozen Shoulder:
Note: All exercises should be done slowly and within pain limits.
1. 🌀 Pendulum Exercise
Lean forward, let the arm hang down
Swing in small circles
10 reps each direction
2. 🧍 Towel Stretch
Hold a towel behind your back with both hands
Use the good arm to pull the affected arm upward
Hold 15–30 seconds × 3 times
3. 🚪 Finger Walk (Wall Climb)
Face a wall and walk your fingers up slowly
Go as high as possible without pain
10 reps
4. 🔁 Cross-Body Stretch
Use your good arm to bring your affected arm across the chest
Hold for 15–30 seconds × 3 sets
5. 🔄 External Rotation with Stick
Hold a stick with both hands, elbows at sides bent 90°
Push gently outward with the good arm
Hold 5 seconds × 10 reps
💡 Physiotherapy Tips:
Apply moist heat before exercises
Stay consistent with exercises daily
Don’t force painful movements
Home Physiotherapy Service In Dhaka
Call: +8801786767976
Mail: physiotherapyathome99@gmail.com
Website: homephysiotherapydhaka.com
