Shoulder Pain Holding You Back? Let’s Talk About Rotator Cuff Tears

Your shoulders do a lot for you.

They help you lift, reach, throw, and hug the people you care about.

But when shoulder pain hits, even simple things like getting dressed or reaching overhead can feel impossible.

A rotator cuff tear is one of the most common shoulder injuries. And while it’s frustrating, the good news is it’s also very treatable. With the right care and understanding, you can move past the pain and get your confidence (and shoulder strength) back.

Meet the Rotator Cuff

Your rotator cuff isn’t just one muscle. It’s actually a team of four small but powerful muscles that help keep your shoulder joint stable and moving smoothly.

Here’s the lineup:

• Supraspinatus: Lifts your arm away from your body.
• Infraspinatus: Rotates your arm outward (external rotation).
• Teres Minor: Works with the infraspinatus to stabilize the shoulder.
• Subscapularis: Rotates your arm inward (internal rotation).

Together, these muscles form a “cuff” around your shoulder joint keeping everything in place while you move.

How Rotator Cuff Tears Happen

Rotator cuff tears can come on fast or sneak up over time.

Here are the most common causes:

• Repetitive movements: Things like throwing, lifting, painting, or swimming can wear down the tendons.
• Aging: As we get older, blood flow to the tendons decreases, which can make them weaker.
• Sudden injury: A fall, heavy lift, or quick jerk can cause a tear in an instant.
• Poor posture or movement: Slouching or relying on certain muscles too much can add extra stress to the cuff.

Signs You Might Have a Rotator Cuff Tear

You might notice:

• A dull ache deep in your shoulder
• Pain when lifting or reaching overhead
• Weakness when rotating or raising your arm
• Trouble sleeping on the sore side
• Clicking or catching when you move

If left untreated, shoulder pain can start to affect your neck, back, and even how you move day to day.

Why It Makes Daily Life Hard

When your shoulder isn’t working right, basic tasks suddenly feel like a workout.

You might struggle to:

• Reach into cabinets or overhead shelves
• Wash or brush your hair
• Put on a shirt or jacket
• Carry groceries
• Reach behind your back for your seatbelt

These little things add up and can make you feel limited and frustrated.

How Chiropractic and Rehab Care Help

Here’s the good news: most rotator cuff tears don’t need surgery.

With the right combination of chiropractic and rehab care, you can restore movement, strength, and confidence.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Adjustments to improve joint alignment and reduce nerve tension
• Soft tissue work to loosen tight muscles and boost blood flow
• Targeted rehab exercises to rebuild strength and control
• Movement retraining to fix how your shoulder moves so it stays healthy long term

It’s not just about getting rid of pain. it’s about helping you feel strong and capable again.

The On Point Approach

At On Point, we believe every setback is a setup for growth.

Our goal is to help you trust your body again. To move freely, confidently, and without fear of pain.

You’ll work one-on-one with your doctor to uncover the root cause, rebuild your shoulder, and get back to doing what you love most.

The Bottom Line

A rotator cuff tear doesn’t have to hold you back.

Recovery is more than fixing a muscle. It’s about rebuilding your confidence in how your body moves.

Every small win counts. Every rep, stretch, and adjustment brings you closer to freedom.

Because at the end of the day, our mission is simple:

To give you the confidence to move freely and explore your untapped potential.