Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries: Causes, Types & Treatment at Thomas Back and Body Georgetown

Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common shoulder problems, affecting athletes, manual workers, and even office professionals in Georgetown. These injuries involve the group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, enabling arm rotation and lifting. While many cases respond well to conservative care, understanding the causes and types helps patients seek timely treatment at clinics like Thomas Back and Body. Interestingly, some patients with rotator cuff issues also report concussion symptoms like headaches or dizziness if neck involvement contributes to referred pain patterns.​

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Repetitive overhead activities (e.g., painting, swimming, tennis), age-related degeneration, falls, or sudden trauma often trigger rotator cuff damage. Poor posture, muscle imbalances, and previous shoulder strains increase vulnerability, with risk rising after age 40. In Georgetown's active community, sports like golf or pickleball frequently contribute, alongside desk work that weakens supporting muscles over time.​

Types of Rotator Cuff Injuries

• Tendinitis: Inflammation from overuse, causing aching pain and weakness.

  ruptures, often healing with non-surgical care.

  
  

  

• Partial Tears: Incomplete tendon

• Full Tears: Complete ruptures requiring potential surgery in severe cases.

  
  

  

  
  

• Impingement: Tendons pinched during arm elevation, leading to sharp pain.​

Early identification prevents progression, as 80% of partial injuries improve conservatively.​

Chiropractic Treatment at Thomas Back and Body

At Thomas Back and Body in Georgetown, chiropractic care targets rotator cuff injuries through precise shoulder and spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises. Research shows spinal manipulation combined with exercise reduces pain and improves function in rotator cuff disorders, often matching surgical outcomes for partial tears (Minkalis et al., 2018). Manual therapy restores joint mobility, while customized strengthening addresses imbalances, promoting healing without drugs or surgery (Desjardins-Charbonneau et al., 2015).

Our approach includes initial assessments to classify injury type, followed by tailored plans emphasizing scapular stability and posture correction—key for long-term relief.

Why Choose Thomas Back and Body?

Patients avoid invasive procedures while regaining strength for daily activities and sports. Evidence supports chiropractic as effective first-line care, with low risk and high patient satisfaction.

Experiencing shoulder pain or limited motion? Book your assessment at Thomas Back and Body in Georgetown today. Our expert team delivers personalized rotator cuff treatment to get you back to pain-free movement.

References

Desjardins-Charbonneau, A., et al. (2015). The efficacy of manual therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 45(7), 555–569. https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2015.5455

Minkalis, A. L., et al. (2018). A systematic review of thrust manipulation combined with exercise for rotator cuff disorders. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 17(2), 119–128. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6160900/

Mayo Clinic. (2025). Rotator cuff injury: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rotator-cuff-injury

Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Rotator cuff tear: Symptoms & treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8291-rotator-cuff-tea