Often it is only when you lose the ability to perform a basic function that you fully recognise how useful it was. When it comes to common injuries, none are quite as frustrating as tearing your supraspinatus muscle in your shoulder. Not only is shoulder injury treatment quite involved but often those who suffer from a supraspinatus tear are on the older side. To avoid hurting yourself in the future, or to perhaps get an idea of whether you have already torn your supraspinatus, here is a quick outline of what this injury is and how it is treated. 

What Is The Supraspinatus?

Your supraspinatus muscle is part of your rotator cuff and more specifically is involved with the abduction or lifting of your arm. Whenever you lift your arms above your head or even just above their resting position at your side you are using your supraspinatus. It is located on the back of your shoulder blade and runs between it into the actual joint. When it is damaged it can completely limit your movement, and for those that live an active lifestyle, this can be incredibly frustrating. You can damage it more easily when you get older, where even a simple fall or lifting your arms too quickly can tear the supraspinatus. 

What Is The Shoulder Injury Treatment For Supraspinatus?

Depending on your age, the level of the tear and your personal wishes, treatment for a supraspinatus tear can vary wildly. Sometimes surgery is not advised at all, especially in those that are older. Surgery can be effective but there are also middling evidence on if it is any better than non-surgical shoulder injury treatment. Undoubtedly the most effective treatment in almost all cases is physiotherapy, with a trained professional creating tailored shoulder injury treatment plans just for you. These include exercises, daily stretches and muscle manipulation (targeted massage).

Will You Ever Get Full Motion Back?

In all but the worst cases of supraspinatus injuries, you will get your full range of motion back. However, going forward it is important that you stick to the same shoulder injury treatment plans that you established in recovery. Managing this injury will be a lifelong task if you want to ensure that the muscle doesn't get weak and tear again. Recovery can take longer for older patients (70+) and sometimes it is more economical to manage pain rather than try and restore full movement. If you feel like you might have injured your supraspinatus in the past but never got it professionally treated then you should definitely go and have yourself examined at a shoulder injury specialist. 

For more information on shoulder injury treatment, reach out to a medical health professional in your area.

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