One of the most common injuries to the shoulder area is a rotator cuff tear. In most cases, rotator cuff injuries may be the result of trauma or tendon degeneration. These injuries are common with athletic activities.
Rotator cuff tears weaken the shoulder and make personal care tasks such as getting dressed and combing hair challenging and painful. Individuals with rotator cuff injuries may notice pain and swelling immediately after injury, with ongoing weakness developing over time.
Signs and Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries
There are several signs and symptoms that are typically seen in patients with a rotator cuff injury. Some of these most common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain when lifting the arm or reaching behind the back
- Weakness when rotating or lifting the arm
- A crunching sensation when the shoulder is moved in certain positions
How Are Rotator Cuff Injuries Confirmed?
If you believe that you have a rotator cuff injury, our surgeon will begin by examining your shoulder and discussing your symptoms and medical history. On-site imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs may be used to assist in confirming your diagnosis and identifying other problems.
Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Fortunately, many patients can adequately address their rotator cuff injuries through conservative measures such as rest, anti-inflammatory pain medications, injections, activity modification, and/or on-site physical therapy.
In the event that surgery is necessary, a surgeon at South Shore Orthopedics may perform a minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. This type of surgery is an outpatient procedure where our surgeon will make small incisions, look inside your shoulder with a small camera, and conduct the minimally invasive surgery with small, pencil-sized instruments. Arthroscopic treatment for rotator cuff surgery has gained popularity over the past 5 years. It t is an effective solution that can limit the pain and facilitate recovery.
For more severe injuries associated with arthritis, a reverse total shoulder replacement surgery may be necessary. Regardless of the type of surgery that is performed, a rehabilitation program is generally prescribed by our surgeon.
Contact South Shore Orthopedics for Rotator Cuff Treatment
If you are in search of rotator cuff treatment do not hesitate to contact South Shore Orthopedics today. We are pleased to host a multidisciplinary study group with surgeons and therapists who meet regularly to develop optimal treatment plans. Furthermore, we are dedicated to providing you with efficient, quality care so that you can return to your daily activities as quickly as possible.