A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons which surrounds your shoulder joint. [1]
It holds the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket.
Painters, carpenters or people who play tennis or baseball are at high risk of the injuries.
A rotator cuff injury may cause a fading ache in your shoulder. It often gets worse when you sleep leaning on the affected side. [2]
You can cure the rotator cuff tendinitis at home if the injury is not very severe. Some essential oils for rotator cuff may ease the symptoms naturally. [3]
We highly recommend you to discuss with a doctor before you use these complementary remedies.
Essential Oils for Rotator Cuff Pain to Ease the Symptoms
Some people rely on aromatherapy for relieving aches, pains and sore muscles.
Essential oils contain potent analgesic (pain relieving), and antiinflammatory properties. [4]
Some of the essential oils can relieve pain and inflammation due to the rotator cuff.
Remember, these essential oils are complementary remedies that may soothe some of the symptoms.
These oils aren’t alternative treatment options for rotator cuff injury. Always consult with your physician before you use any of the essential oils.
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most famous essential oils for treating pain and aches in joints.It has analgesic properties to relieve muscle pains and rotator cuff tendinitis inflammation.
Lavender essential oil is effective for neck, shoulder and lower back pain. The aromatic oil is good for the well-being of your mental health too.
Read More: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has numerous benefits for your health.
It is a cost-effective and easily available therapeutic oils.
Peppermint oil is one of the very few essential oils considered to be safe for internal usage.
You can find it in toothpaste, teas, and gums.
It’s suitable for topical use to heal a torn rotator cuff naturally.
Peppermint oil can help to relieve headaches and other pain in the body.
Peppermint oil is a great massage oil in aromatherapy. It can relax your sore muscles and for other normal pains and aches. [6]
Read More: Peppermint Oil for Hair: 8 Reasons to Use
3. Chamomile Oil
Inflammation is a major cause of pain in rotator cuff tendinitis.
According to research, chamomile oil is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Thus, it can aid you from the pain in joints and muscles. [7]
A few drops of chamomile essential oil can help you to get rid of rotator cuff pain naturally.
You can add it to your warm bath to reduce the weariness and ease pain from any part of your body.
4. Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage oil helps with the nervous system, asthmatic conditions, rheumatic fevers, depression, aches and pains in the body, etc. [8]
Clary sage oil is famous as a massaging oil as it is helpful in relieving muscle cramps and spasm.
It contains a powerful relaxing component. The oil is often combined with chamomile oil to relieve stress tension.
5. Marjoram Oil
Marjoram oil is an effective pain reliever. It is mildly sedative.
It also works for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Marjoram oil can be a perfect choice for shoulder tendonitis and other pains. [9]
Marjoram oil is best for treating migraines, insomnia, diarrhea, and dysmenorrhea.
You may experience insomnia and fatigue due to the extreme pain of rotator cuff.
Using marjoram essential oil in a warm bath can make you feel much better.
How to Use Essential Oils for Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Pain
- You can use any of the above essential oils by adding it to 2-3 drops of jojoba or other carrier oil.
- Rub the oils on your shoulder, neck, upper arm and underarm area to get relief from the pain.
- After applying the oil on the shoulder, place a hot water bottle or heating pad for about 10 to 15 minutes. It will let the oil penetrate your shoulder joint.
- Repeat the treatment 2-3 times daily to heal rotator cuff injury and pain naturally.
- Wash your hands after applying the oil to avoid the oils getting to your eyes.
Causes of Rotator Cuff
The risk of your getting rotator cuff increases with your age.
Such type of shoulder pain is quite common if you are above the age of 30.
If not treated on time, this condition may cause weakness and stiffness in your shoulder.
If the tendons get swollen or damaged, then you may develop rotator cuff tendinitis.
The condition usually happens due to an injury to your shoulder.
You may get rotator cuff if your job involves heavy lifting or a lot of the same movement. For example, playing sports.
Generally, people over 40 are at high risk of getting rotator cuff problems.
Genes also play a significant part in this. If someone in your family had shoulder issues, then you are most likely to get it. [10]
Symptoms of Torn Rotator Cuff
Possible signs of a rotator cuff injury include:
- You may feel a dull pain in the shoulder.
- You may experience disturbed sleep if you lie on the affected side of your shoulder.
- You may also find it hard to perform simple tasks such as combing your hair or reaching your back.
- The rotator cuff injury will cause you weakness in your arms. [11]
Precautions
You should always be careful while using essential oils, especially for topical use.
- Always conduct a patch test before you use them. If there’s an allergic reaction, do not proceed.
- Some of the essential oils are quite potent. Always dilute them with a good carrier oil before you apply it to your skin.
- Do not use any essential oils without consulting with your doctor.
When to See a Doctor
Pain due to rotator cuff injury can be excruciating. You may not continue with your daily activities.
These essential oils will reduce some pain. But if the symptoms become severe, you must consult a doctor.
Ask for medical attention if there’s sudden swelling, intense pain, and difficulty in moving your arm.
Bottom Line
Rotator cuff injuries are common among people who do frequent overhead motions. It may happen to sportsmen as well.
Sometimes, rotator cuff tears may happen because of a single injury. In such circumstances seek medical help immediately.
Severe rotator cuff tears may need surgery, transfer of alternative tendons or joint replacement. [2]
The pain from rotator cuff injury can be excruciating. But using the essential oils mentioned above may heal your pain to a great extent.
Rotator cuff injury requires an immediate cure. It gets worse if left untreated.
If the pain is severe and is not being cured at home you should consult a doctor.
READ NEXT: 8 Best Essential Oils for Bunions Pain (with Recipe)
