Rotator Cuff Injuries Specialists

What is a rotator cuff injury?

In most cases, a rotator cuff injury refers to overuse of the group of muscles and tendons that support your shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injuries commonly affect athletes and people with physically demanding jobs. For example, repeated overhead motions and heavy lifting cause stress to the tissues surrounding your shoulder, eventually leading to excessive wear-and-tear.

Rotator cuff injuries can also come from sudden trauma like a sports injury or bone spurs. Bone spurs are bony growths that can develop near the shoulder. When you lift your arm, the bone spur can irritate your rotator cuff and weaken the tissues in your shoulder. Although rotator cuff injuries can affect anyone, they’re most common in people over the age of 40.

What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?

Symptoms include:

• Dull, aching pain
• Arm weakness
• Trouble sleeping on the affected shoulder
• A crackling sensation when moving the shoulder

Shoulder pain can make it difficult to perform daily tasks like brushing your teeth or combing your hair. If you experience symptoms, it’s important to speak with one of the orthopedic specialists at Perimeter Orthopaedics, PC. 

Left untreated, a rotator cuff injury can cause progressive damage and increase your risk for a severe tear in your rotator cuff. Severely torn rotator cuffs can cause debilitating pain and often require surgery for effective treatment. 

How are rotator cuff injuries diagnosed?

Treatment for your rotator cuff injury depends on the severity of your condition. To perform your diagnosis, your doctor begins with a physical exam and discussion of your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor then performs an imaging test like an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. 

Perimeter Orthopaedics, PC offers convenient on-site diagnostics to ensure you receive the right treatment as soon as possible. Once you’ve been diagnosed, you and the team work together to develop the right treatment plan for your condition. 

What treatments are available for rotator cuff injuries?

Perimeter Orthopaedics, PC offers both surgical and nonsurgical treatment for rotator cuff injuries. In most cases, rotator cuff injuries can be effectively treated without surgery. Depending on your needs, the team may recommend a number of conservative treatments to relieve your pain and restore the function of your shoulder. Conservative treatments include:

• Physical therapy
• Activity modifications
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Steroid injections

If your rotator cuff injury is severe or doesn’t improve with nonsurgical treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery. The orthopedic surgeons at Perimeter Orthopaedics, PC have extensive experience performing a number of cutting-edge procedures like minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy. If you suffer from symptoms of a rotator cuff injury, schedule your appointment online or call the office today.