Rotator Cuff Injuries

Lawrence, KS | Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic

Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons that work together to stabilize the shoulder and allow you to lift, reach, throw, and perform overhead movements. Injuries can range from tendon irritation (rotator cuff tendinopathy) to partial or full-thickness tears.

At Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic, we provide evidence-based, conservative treatment to reduce shoulder pain, restore mobility, and improve strength so you can return to work, sports, and everyday activities without surgery whenever appropriate.

How We Treat Rotator Cuff Injuries

Every treatment plan is customized based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and functional goals. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Extremity chiropractic adjustments to improve shoulder, clavicle, scapular, and thoracic spine mobility

• Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve soft tissue mobility

• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to stimulate tendon healing and reduce chronic shoulder pain

• Dry needling to decrease muscle tightness and improve shoulder function

• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to improve tissue mobility and address tendon restrictions

• Corrective exercises to improve rotator cuff strength, shoulder stability, and scapular mechanics

• Personalized home exercise program to support recovery and reduce the risk of reinjury

Our goal is to reduce pain, restore normal shoulder mechanics, and help you safely return to your daily activities.

Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury

Common symptoms include:

• Shoulder pain

• Pain when lifting the arm overhead

• Weakness with reaching or lifting

• Pain while sleeping on the affected shoulder

• Pain with throwing or overhead sports

• Clicking or catching in the shoulder

• Reduced shoulder range of motion

Symptoms may develop gradually from repetitive use or suddenly following an injury.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Injuries?

Rotator cuff injuries may result from:

• Repetitive overhead activities

• Sports such as baseball, tennis, volleyball, or swimming

• Heavy lifting

• Falls or traumatic injuries

• Age-related tendon degeneration

• Shoulder impingement

• Poor shoulder mechanics

• Muscle weakness or imbalance

Early evaluation can help determine whether conservative care is appropriate or if advanced imaging is necessary.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Your initial evaluation at Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic is designed to identify the source of your shoulder pain and determine the severity of your injury.

Your visit may include:

• Detailed health history and symptom review

• Shoulder orthopedic examination

• Range of motion testing

• Strength assessment

• Functional movement evaluation

• Personalized treatment recommendations

If advanced imaging such as an MRI or referral to an orthopedic specialist is indicated, we will help coordinate your care.

Why Choose Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic?

Our chiropractors evaluate the entire shoulder complex—including the shoulder joint, shoulder blade, clavicle, thoracic spine, and neck—to identify movement dysfunctions that contribute to rotator cuff injuries. Your treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), dry needling, IASTM, and corrective exercises to restore function and reduce pain.

Our treatment plans are designed to:

• Reduce shoulder pain

• Improve shoulder mobility

• Restore strength and stability

• Improve overhead movement

• Help prevent future injuries

• Help patients avoid unnecessary medications or surgery whenever possible