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.
FAQs
Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?
No. Most rotator cuff tears, especially partial or small ones, can heal or improve with non-surgical care like targeted exercises, posture correction, and manual therapy. Surgery is usually considered only for large or full-thickness tears, injuries that don’t respond after months of conservative treatment, or when there’s significant weakness and loss of function. A thorough exam and imaging can help determine the best approach.
Why does it hurt when I lift my arm to the side?
Pain when lifting your arm to the side often comes from irritation or injury to the rotator cuff tendons. As you raise your arm, these tendons pass under a bony area of the shoulder and can get pinched or inflamed, a problem called impingement. Weak stabilizing muscles and poor posture can make the pinching worse, leading to pain and limited movement.
Does icing or heat help with rotator cuff injury?
Yes, but at different stages. Ice is most helpful early on or after activity to calm inflammation and reduce pain. Heat works better later, once swelling has gone down, to relax muscles and improve blood flow for healing. Some people alternate ice and heat depending on how the shoulder feels. If pain persists or worsens, get checked before continuing self-care.
Can I workout if I have a rotator cuff injury?
It depends on the severity of the injury. Light, pain-free movements and gentle range-of-motion exercises are usually safe and can help keep the shoulder from stiffening. Avoid heavy lifting, overhead presses, or any activity that causes sharp or worsening pain. If discomfort continues or strength is limited, get evaluated before returning to regular workouts.
Should I get a cortisone shot for a rotator cuff injury?
A cortisone shot can reduce pain and inflammation in the short term, especially if the shoulder is very irritated and limiting your movement. However, it doesn’t repair the injured tendon and repeated injections can weaken tissue over time. Shots are usually considered after other conservative treatments, like rehab and activity changes, haven’t helped enough. Talk with our doctors to weigh the risks and benefits for your situation.
What is the best position to sleep in if I have rotator cuff injury?
Sleeping on your back is usually the most comfortable because it keeps the shoulder in a neutral position and reduces pressure on injured tendons. If you prefer sleeping on your side, lie on the opposite side of the injury and hug a pillow to support the sore arm. Avoid sleeping directly on the injured shoulder or with your arm overhead, as that can worsen pain and irritation.
What exercises help with a rotator cuff injury?
Early on, gentle pain-free movements work best. Pendulum swings help keep the joint loose, while isometric external and internal rotations strengthen the cuff without overloading it. Scapular retractions and wall slides build support muscles around the shoulder blade. As pain improves, you can progress to light band exercises for rotation and lifting, but only if movements stay comfortable and controlled.
Do I need imaging or x-ray for a rotator cuff injury?
Not always. Many rotator cuff injuries can be diagnosed with a physical exam and history alone. X-rays don’t show tendons well but can rule out other issues like bone spurs or arthritis. An MRI or ultrasound is ordered if the tear is suspected to be large, symptoms don’t improve with care, or surgery is being considered.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Schedule your first appointment for just $39.
Includes an Exam, Consultation, and Total-Spinal Adjustment.
Bonus: your $39 is fully-refundable if you decide to become a Member and begin treatment with our doctors during your appointment.