Rotator Cuff Tear vs Strain: Georgetown Chiropractor Reveals the Difference and Natural Solutions

Shoulder pain can interfere with everything from daily chores to athletic performance. Among the most common shoulder issues are rotator cuff injuries, which can range from mild strains to full tears. Understanding the difference between a rotator cuff strain vs rotator cuff tear is critical for choosing the right treatment and ensuring proper recovery. At Thomas Back and Body in Georgetown, Ontario, we specialize in diagnosing and naturally treating these conditions to restore pain-free movement.

Rotator Cuff Strain vs Rotator Cuff Tear: What’s the Difference?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize and move your shoulder joint. A rotator cuff strain occurs when muscle fibers are overstretched or partially damaged, often due to repetitive movements, lifting, or poor posture. A rotator cuff tear, by contrast, involves a partial or complete tear of the tendon that attaches the muscle to the bone, usually caused by trauma or degeneration over time (Lee & Patel, 2023).

Causes and Symptoms

Possible causes include repetitive overhead movement such as painting, carpentry or sports like volleyball and swimming, and acute injuries like landing on an outstretched hand. Other causes are those that decrease or impair blood flow to the muscles; these include the natural process of aging and certain health conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes (Hinge Health, 2025).

Symptoms of a strain often include mild pain, tenderness, and temporary weakness, while tears can result in severe pain, reduced range of motion, night-time discomfort, and inability to lift the arm overhead.

Chiropractors use orthopedic testing, movement assessment, and imaging referrals to determine the extent of your injury and create a safe, customized treatment plan.

Natural Chiropractic Solutions for Shoulder Healing

At Thomas Back and Body, chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment, reducing inflammation, and supporting natural healing—all without invasive procedures or medication. While Dr. Thomas typically recommends one treatment per week for 6 weeks for rotator cuff tendonitis, it may take months to heal a tear. Treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments: Realigning the spine and shoulder joints to reduce nerve irritation and improve mobility.

• Soft tissue therapy: Targeted muscle release and instrument-assisted techniques to relieve tension and promote blood flow.

• Rehabilitative exercises: Customized strengthening and stretching programs that enhance shoulder stability.

• Postural correction: Teaching ergonomic strategies that prevent strain from recurring during daily activities.

Research shows that chiropractic and manual therapy approaches can effectively improve shoulder function and alleviate chronic pain associated with rotator cuff injuries (Martinez et al., 2022). Combining adjustments with exercise therapy helps patients regain flexibility and strength more efficiently than rest alone.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Accelerate Recovery

As well as chiropractic solutions, there are also modifications you can make to your everyday activities to benefit even more from your chiropractic treatment. For instance, while physical activity is very important for recovery, as it increased blood flow and brings healing nutrients to the area, it is important to modify any activities that cause pain such as overhead motions. Additionally, rotator cuff pain can make it difficult to sleep. If you are a back sleeper you may find it beneficial to place your sore arm across your stomach with your elbow bent with one or two pillow underneath it; if you're a side-sleeper, you may benefit from adding a couple extra pillow under your affected shoulder.

When to See a Chiropractor in Georgetown

If you experience sharp shoulder pain, weakness when lifting your arm, or stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest, it’s time to seek professional care. Early intervention prevents further damage and supports natural recovery. At Thomas Back and Body, we provide comprehensive assessment and evidence-based chiropractic treatment to help you return to normal activity safely and efficiently.

Your shoulders are essential for daily movement and quality of life—don’t let pain limit your potential. Book your appointment with Thomas Back and Body in Georgetown today and take the first step toward restoring comfort, function, and long-term shoulder health.

References

Canales, C., & Kimbrough, M. (Eds.). (2025, March 27). Rotator cuff strain vs tear: Key differences explained. hingehealth. https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/rotator-cuff-strain-vs-tear/

Lee, M., & Patel, R. (2023). Rotator cuff injuries: Diagnosis and conservative management approaches. Journal of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, 45(1), 88–97.

Martinez, D., Chen, S., & Brown, L. (2022). Manual therapies for shoulder rehabilitation: Evidence of functional improvement and pain reduction. Canadian Journal of Physical Health, 38(3), 205–213.