Common Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries
Typical signs include:
- Dull ache deep in the shoulder
- Pain that worsens at night, especially when lying on the affected side
- Weakness or difficulty lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind you
- Clicking, popping, or catching sensations with movement that is painful
- Limited range of motion or stiffness
- Sharp pain with overhead activity, such as throwing or lifting
Because these symptoms overlap with shoulder impingement and arthritis, accurate diagnosis is essential.
Root Causes and Contributing Factors
Rotator cuff injuries rarely have a single cause. Contributing factors may include:
- Repetitive overhead activity — common in sports like baseball, swimming, or tennis
- Age-related degeneration — gradual weakening of tendons with age
- Poor posture — forward head and rounded shoulders narrowing the shoulder joint space
- Sudden trauma — falls, heavy lifting, or accidents
- Muscle imbalances — weak stabilizers or overly tight chest/back muscles
- Inflammation — systemic issues or local irritation slowing tendon recovery
At Aligned Modern Health, we look at both the local injury and the systemic factors affecting your body’s ability to heal. Our Chiropractic Physicians collaborate across disciplines to ensure effective and lasting recovery.
How Rotator Cuff Injuries Are Diagnosed
Our providers begin with a detailed physical exam, including orthopedic tests that check for strength, stability, and range of motion. When needed, we may recommend:
- Imaging (MRI or ultrasound) to determine the severity of a tear, if not responsive to rehab exercises
- X-rays to check for arthritis or bone spurs contributing to impingement
- Functional assessments to evaluate posture, movement, and muscle balance
- Lab testing for systemic inflammation or nutrient deficiencies affecting recovery
This root-cause lens ensures a complete picture of why your rotator cuff is injured—and how to prevent further damage. Learn more about our Chiropractic Care and how it supports proper alignment and shoulder function.
Our Treatment Approach
We create a care plan designed to reduce pain, restore shoulder function, and promote healing:
- Chiropractic Care: Improves spinal and shoulder alignment, reducing joint stress and improving biomechanics.
- Functional Rehabilitation: Exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and supporting muscles, restoring balance and mobility.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Manual techniques to release tension and improve tendon and muscle health.
- Acupuncture: Reduces pain, calms inflammation, and stimulates blood flow to support healing. Explore our Acupuncture Services to learn how this therapy enhances recovery and shoulder mobility.
- Functional Medicine & Nutrition: Identifies inflammatory triggers and supports tissue repair with diet and supplements.
Your treatment plan is personalized to your age, lifestyle, and goals—whether you’re returning to sport or simply want to move comfortably again.
Conditions Commonly Linked to Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff problems are often mistaken for or associated with:
What to Expect From Care
Your journey at Aligned Modern Health includes:
- Initial Visit – Review of your history, symptoms, and functional movement.
- Diagnostics – Imaging or testing if needed to confirm injury severity.
- Care Plan – A tailored plan combining chiropractic, rehab, acupuncture, and functional medicine.
- Ongoing Support – Regular visits and exercise progression to restore strength and prevent reinjury.
Appointments are available in-person across our Chicagoland and suburban Chiropractic locations and virtually for functional medicine and nutrition care. We accept major insurance plans—visit our Insurance page for details—and all services are FSA/HSA eligible.
Is a Rotator Cuff Injury Affecting You?
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to hold you back. With root-cause, whole-body care, healing and long-term recovery are possible. Book a visit with one of our expert Chiropractic Physicians and take the first step toward restoring strength, mobility, and confidence in your shoulder.
