Although shoulder pain can result from many issues, a quick visit to a qualified physician can determine if a tear in the rotator cuff is the culprit.
The shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion compared to any other joint in the body. The shoulder is critical for people whose work depends heavily on its function and strength. The tendons in the shoulder that allow this vast mobility of the joint can become inflamed, tear and affect the surrounding bones, causing pain and discomfort. Your pain may be constant or only when performing a repetitive motion, but your pain history is critical to providing the information we need to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate.
What is a Rotator Cuff?
The shoulder joint is known as a ball-and-socket joint. The top of the arm bone forms a shape somewhat like a ball and fits into a groove of the shoulder blade. The rotator cuff consists of an intricate system of muscles and tendons that fit together around the ball of the arm bone or humerus. These components hold the humerus in the shoulder’s socket and give you the ability to lift and rotate your arm.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
A rotator cuff injury typically occurs by a traumatic injury, such as a fall or sports injury, or gradually over time, especially after age 40, from daily wear and tear activities.
Repetitive motions required with certain work activities such as moderate to heavy lifting, carpentry work or painting are known to cause injury. When the rotator cuff tears, either from acute trauma or a gradual process, the result is a pain in the shoulder and arm regions.
Do I have a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Anyone who has a sudden shoulder or arm pain from a recent injury, or pain that comes on gradually and is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications, should seek medical attention. If the physician suspects a rotator cuff injury, they will most likely order an MRI or other diagnostic test to confirm the pain is coming from a tear in the rotator cuff. It is important to get prompt medical attention, as a tear left unchecked can result in significant loss of use and range of motion in the affected arm and shoulder region. Once a physician can make a diagnosis, he can determine if surgery is necessary to repair the tear or if physical therapy is the best option.
Physical Therapy or Surgery?
When a physician determines physical therapy is the best option for a patient, he can prescribe a physical therapy plan to help slowly and safely restore the function of your shoulder. The physical therapist may determine a course of action that will include exercises to stretch and strengthen the rotator cuff system and surrounding areas. They will most likely assign a series of exercises to perform at home and offer advice on what activities to avoid until the patient has healed. It is important to follow through with all the exercises prescribed by the therapist to regain full use of the affected arm and shoulder. After a series of treatments, the patient will follow up with their physician for a progress evaluation. The patient may be cleared to resume full activity, prescribed more PT treatments or scheduled for surgery if the patient is not responding positively to physical therapy.
How Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine Can Help
Our physicians are educated and experienced in providing expert care for shoulder pain and injuries. We will start with a complete evaluation, followed by diagnosis and treatment (possibly including surgery or physical therapy). We are dedicated to returning your full range of motion so you can enjoy life. Contact us today online or call (757) 873-1554.
