Rotator Cuff Injury
A rotator cuff injury happens when the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder becomes strained, irritated, or torn. This can make lifting your arm, reaching overhead, or even sleeping on your shoulder painful and limited. At KIRO, our chiropractors focus on restoring shoulder motion, easing inflammation, and guiding you through safe strength-building so you can get back to daily activities without pain.
Why do rotator cuff injuries occur?
Rotator cuff injuries usually happen when the shoulder is overworked or strained beyond its normal limits. Repetitive overhead movements, like lifting, throwing, or swimming, can cause tiny tears and inflammation in the tendons over time. Sudden trauma, such as falling on an outstretched arm or heavy lifting, can also injure the cuff. Poor posture, weak stabilizing muscles, and natural age-related wear make the tendons more vulnerable and slower to heal.
What are the common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?
Common signs include a dull, aching pain deep in the shoulder, especially when lifting your arm or reaching behind your back. You may feel weakness, making it hard to raise or hold objects overhead. Some people notice clicking or popping with movement, pain that worsens at night or when lying on the injured side, and reduced shoulder mobility or stiffness over time.
Who is most at risk of getting a rotator cuff injury?
People who do repetitive overhead movements, such as painters, carpenters, swimmers, baseball and tennis players, are at higher risk. Office workers with poor posture and rounded shoulders can also strain the rotator cuff over time. Aging increases risk because tendons naturally weaken and lose flexibility. Prior shoulder injuries, heavy lifting, and smoking (which slows tendon healing) can make the rotator cuff more vulnerable as well.
How do KIRO doctors treat a rotator cuff injury?
On your first visit, we perform a detailed exam of your shoulder, neck, and upper back, along with a baseline Nervous System Scan to understand how the injury is affecting your movement and nerve function. Using this information, we design a personalized care plan and guide you through it step by step.
Early care (1–2 times per week) focuses on reducing pain and inflammation while restoring safe shoulder motion. This often includes precise adjustments to the spine and shoulder, gentle joint mobilization, and soft-tissue work around the rotator cuff. We also begin light activation of stabilizing muscles like the rotator cuff and lower traps to protect the joint and reduce strain.
As symptoms improve, we move into the corrective phase, refining posture, strengthening the shoulder and upper back, and gradually reintroducing overhead or reaching tasks. Each month we rescan to track progress and adapt your plan, and multiple doctors rotate through your care so you benefit from different perspectives and expertise.
How long does treatment for a rotator cuff injury take?
Many people notice less pain and better movement within the first few weeks of care, especially once inflammation settles and safe motion is restored. Rebuilding strength and stability in the shoulder typically takes another 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how severe the injury is and how long it’s been present. Altogether, about three months of consistent treatment is common for meaningful recovery. More severe or chronic tears can take longer and may need ongoing maintenance to protect the shoulder.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for rotator cuff injury?
Chiropractic care for a rotator cuff injury provides several important benefits, including:
Faster pain relief and reduced inflammation
Improved shoulder mobility and range of motion
Better posture and joint alignment to reduce strain
Targeted strengthening of stabilizing muscles for long-term support
A non-drug, non-surgical approach to healing
These benefits help you regain strength and confidence in your shoulder, return to daily activities, and lower the risk of future injury.
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Includes an Exam, Consultation, and Total-Spinal Adjustment.
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