Have you been told that you injured your shoulder or rotator cuff? Is aquatic therapy a treatment option recently recommended by your doctor? Please read on for more information.
The rotator cuff is a very vital part of your body. It helps to keep your shoulder within the socket so that you can easily lift and lower your arms. People often mistakenly assume that the only way to get a rotator cuff injury is if you play an aggressive sport. This isn’t the case, though. There are many people who get rotator cuff injuries, including on the job. For example, jobs that require you to hold your arms over your head for extended periods of time can lead to rotator cuff injuries.
Surgery Should be a Last Resort
Don’t automatically assume that you need to undergo surgery to treat a rotator cuff injury. Fortunately, this isn’t always true. However, the longer you go without getting help for the injury, likely the worse it will become. Rotator cuff surgery can be very invasive depending on the extent of damage to the area. Plus, recovery after surgery must be done in phases and can take quite a long time to complete. Therefore, surgery is usually used as a last resort treatment for the injury.
Physical and Aquatic Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy can be a great treatment option for a rotator cuff injury. In physical therapy, you learn safe exercises that will not exacerbate your injury. Experienced physical therapists help you build strength and heal faster. Participating in physical therapy before and after rotator cuff surgery builds strength and reduce tension in the area.
Additionally, aquatic therapy works well for rotator cuff injuries. Treatment in water allows you to exercise the area with far less stress then you would put on it if you were outside of the water. The exercises are designed to rebuild damaged areas and strengthen them. Certified aquatic therapy instructors ensure you do the exercises properly and that you don’t put extra stress on your rotator cuff.
Researching Aquatic Therapy in Perry Hall MD?
If you notice that your shoulder starts to hurt, see your doctor. He or she can do an exam to determine if you have a rotator cuff injury. Checking for swelling and tenderness in the area, as well as the range of motion, are good indicators of type of injury. If it’s determined that you do have an injury, you’ll be researching treatment options. Should you want aquatic therapy in Perry Hall MD, contact Comprehensive Spine & Sports Center in nearby Essex. Dr. Neil Cohen and his staff provide aquatic therapy, physical therapy and more in their conveniently located, state-of-the-art facility.
