The rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles that help stabilize your shoulder joint. When these muscles are strained or torn—often from sports, heavy lifting, or repetitive movements—the pain is hard to ignore. Many people in Cambridge describe sharp discomfort when reaching overhead, carrying groceries, or lying on the affected shoulder at night. If not addressed, the problem may interfere with everything from getting dressed to sleeping soundly.
Signs of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Common symptoms include sharp pain when raising the arm, weakness that makes lifting or carrying objects more difficult, discomfort that worsens at night, and sometimes a clicking or catching sensation with movement. These issues may develop gradually from overuse, or they may appear suddenly after a fall or awkward lift. Either way, they can quickly affect daily life.
Care and Recovery Approaches
Physiotherapy is often recommended as a first step. At Helios Physiotherapy and Rehab, care may involve gentle manual therapy to ease stiffness, targeted exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility, and modern options such as laser or shockwave therapy to help manage discomfort.
Education also plays a role, as learning how to move properly during activities like lifting, throwing, or even household chores can reduce strain on the healing muscles. While surgery may be required for severe tears, many people may notice improvement with consistent physiotherapy and a home exercise program.
Our physiotherapist, Himja Upadhyay, explains: “Rotator cuff injuries may respond well to physiotherapy. Early care can sometimes help reduce the risk of ongoing discomfort and support recovery.”
Learn More About Shoulder Health
This article is part of our Complete Guide to Shoulder Pain, which covers the most common causes, care options, and prevention strategies. If you’re noticing swelling or tenderness near the shoulder, our blog on bursitis may provide additional insight.
Begin Your Recovery in Cambridge
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to limit what you can do. Consider booking a consultation with our Cambridge physiotherapy team today to discuss care that supports strength and mobility.
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