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A New Approach to Rotator Cuff Tears with SoftWave Therapy in Rochester NY
The shoulder is a remarkable joint, allowing for a wide range of motion and versatility. Central to its functioning are the rotator cuffs – a group of four tendons and muscles that keep your arm bone firmly in its socket. When these crucial structures are damaged, the result can be a rotator cuff tear, a condition that can be incredibly painful and limit your everyday activities.
While surgery is often suggested as the go-to treatment, there is an alternative path to recovery: SoftWave Therapy.
The Anatomy of Your Shoulder's Unsung Heroes
The four rotator cuff muscles – the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis – work in harmony to stabilize and move your shoulder joint. They play a critical role in allowing you to lift, rotate, and move your arm with ease. However, this mobility comes at a cost; the rotator cuffs are prone to injury, especially during repetitive overhead motions or sudden impacts.
How Rotator Cuff Tears Happen
Rotator cuff tears can occur from a variety of activities or conditions:
- Overuse: Frequent, repetitive arm movements, common in sports like tennis or baseball, can wear down the rotator cuffs over time.
- Trauma: A sudden impact or fall on an outstretched arm can lead to tears.
- Age:The natural aging process can weaken tendons, making them more susceptible to tears.
- Degeneration: Chronic conditions like tendinitis or impingement syndrome can weaken the tendons and lead to tears.
- Poor Blood Flow: Limited blood flow to the rotator cuffs can hinder the body's natural repair processes, making tears more likely.
The Traditional Treatment Approach
Traditional treatments for rotator cuff tears often include physical therapy, pain medications, and sometimes surgical intervention. While surgery can be effective, it comes with risks, including a long recovery period and potential complications.
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