Poss Rotator Cuff Damage?- Help with Recovery

[Teachessail]

I did this last night training for cricket. My 2nd time training in 7 yrs. I thought I'd been more thorough in more warm-ups and stretching, apparently not. I didn't feel any pain in a particular delivery, it just got more painful as the evening went along. To the point that as I brought my arm from behind me to above me it was the kind of pain that makes one feel sick and I would lose control of my arm.

The issue is that I hate to bother GPs or A&E depts with these things. In the past I've used private physios(blocked sacrum, achillies tendontis, ankle and tendon/ligament tears, knee ligament, knee cap) and I've had some marvellous treatments from several excellent physios around Manchester and Cheshire, in particular Bernadette Oakes. But at the moment I am another victim of the Credit Crunch and unemployed so private is not an option.

It may not be rotator cuff, I'm a layman guessing. Do I go to my GP or A&E with this? A GP appt and the referral to NHS phsyio takes months. Do I wait a few days to see if it feels better? Will I probably need treatment to avoid reoccurunce? A hot shower on my shoulder did make it feel better so I'm tempted to wait. But I don't want to make it worse when I train next week.

I'm 41 and the sports I have left mean a lot to me. Cricket, sailing/teaching, horseriding and golf. I'm concerned permanent damage could stop all of these.

I hope you guys can help until I'm working and get private treatment again. Any advice and guidance will be appreciated,

TS

[Heidi]

Hi
It doea sound like a rotator cuff injury and unfortunately with these injuries they can take time to heal and do require complete rest. I would recommend you don't train again next week.
The way the pain gradually develops suggests that it isn't a tear as such, but more of a rubbing of the tendon on the overlying bone. If this repeats it could lead to a rupture.

You need to rest, ice and stretch for the next week. You also need to work out why this is happening - it may be a case of a postural problem - this is very common. Work on strengthening the rotator cuff, as well as the mid back muscles that stabilise your scapula, such as the rhomboids and lower trapz.
You can read some more here:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/shoulder/rotatorcuff.htm

[Teachessail]

Thanks Heidi

Not what I wanted to hear in terms of not training but understandable.

Any particular exercises you would recommend to help strengthen the shoulder? I had been planning on incorporating swimming in to my week to help with fitness.

Many thanks

TS

[Heidi]

Hi

Yes, you need to do rotator cuff strengthening exercises. You can find these here:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/strengthening/free_weights.php

You should look at the shoulder internal and external rotation exercises.