At Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates, we understand that shoulder injuries are significant. Shoulder health is essential for the free and uninhibited movement of our arms. Everyday activities may become difficult or even impossible with a shoulder injury such as a rotator cuff tear.
What Is A Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is the grouping of tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint. The purpose of the rotator cuff is to keep the head of your upper arm bone firmly secured in the shallow socket of our shoulder.
Symptoms Of A Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator cuff injuries often occur in those who perform the same motion repetitively.The risk of rotator cuff injuries not only increases with the prevalence of a particular movement, but also with age. Common symptoms include soreness or a dull ache in the shoulder. The symptoms often worsen when attempting to sleep on the affected side.
The most basic symptom of a rotator cuff tear is a dull ache in the shoulder, which is exacerbated when one lies on the affected area. It can become increasingly difficult to raise your arm over or behind your head. Arm weakness also often accompanies rotator cuff injuries. Immediate weakness following an injury demands immediate medical attention.
Treatment
Treating rotator cuff injuries includes both treatments to address the pain and therapy to strengthen the area. This helps to diminish or eliminate the issue through developing the muscles in the area. Physical therapy exercises are used to improve upon the flexibility and strength of the muscles that surround the shoulder joint, providing greater support. This also consequently reduces the impact of the injury and wards off future injuries.
When the injury to the rotator cuff is not from continuous use but instead from an acute injury, the treatment options are different. When an acute injury has caused a rotator cuff injury, it is essential that medical attention is sought after as soon as possible. Significant rotator cuff tears can result in the need for surgical repair, which can include the transfer of alternate tendons to the shoulder or joint replacement.
Contact Us Today
Rotator cuff injuries can range from minor to major as a result of constant use or acute injury. If this affliction is compromising your quality of life, explore our treatment options at Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates. Contact us at your earliest convenience to schedule your consultation.
