Why seniors and athletes can have the same shoulder muscle tears

Athletes are not the only population to get muscle tears. In fact, muscle tears can occur at any point of the life spectrum. Tears occur when the activity puts more stress than the healthy muscle can handle or when the weak/unhealthy muscle cannot cope with activity.  
 
Our shoulders are extremely versatile to allow us to reach in all directions. Unfortunately, this increase in mobility means the muscles of the shoulder need to work quite hard to stabilise the joint. The stabilising role falls to a group of 4 muscles call the rotator cuff. It is not uncommon to find tears in one of these muscles after a bout of activity particularly if it is more than what you would normally do.  ​

If you thought tears in these muscles are painful, you would be correct most of the time. Factors like size of the tear, type of tear and age all play a role in the pain you might feel.  

​Whilst the severity of the tear can differ based on the size of the tear. The severity can also be determined by the type of tear.  

• Ruptures are the most severe. There is no physical connection between the muscle and the bone. Surgery is likely however not always warranted 
• Full thickness tears are less severe than a rupture but more severe than a partial tear. Rehab will like require 12-20 weeks. Your physio will discuss the need for surgical opinion at your review.  
• Partial tears are least severe out of the 3. Rehab will range between 4-12 weeks. 

All the physios at Physiolabs use the latest evidence to guide diagnosis and treatment planning. We also work together to address your rehabiliation goals. For more information give us a call on 5610 1933 otherwise visit our website www.physiolabs.com.au. ​