Shoulder Treatment

What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury that occurs when one or more of the tendons in the rotator cuff are damaged. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow arm movement. Tears can result from injury or gradual wear and tear due to aging or repetitive movements.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

Partial tear: The tendon is frayed or partially damaged.

Complete tear: The tendon is fully separated from the bone.

Causes of Rotator Cuff Tear

Acute injury: A fall, lifting a heavy object, or a sudden impact can cause a tear.

Repetitive strain: Overuse from activities like swimming, baseball, or weightlifting.

Aging and degeneration: Natural wear and tear weaken the tendons over time.

Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear

Persistent shoulder pain, especially at night.

Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm.

A clicking or popping sensation in the shoulder muscles.

Limited range of motion.

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tear

Doctors diagnose a rotator cuff injury through:

Physical examination to assess pain and mobility.

Imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm the tear.

Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tear

Non-Surgical Treatment

Rest and activity modification to prevent further strain.

Physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder tendons.

Pain management with anti-inflammatory medications.

Steroid injectionsfor reducing inflammation.

Surgical Treatment

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A minimally invasive procedure to fix the tear.

Open surgery for larger or complex tears.

Tendon transfer in severe cases where repair is not possible.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Physical rehabilitation is essential for restoring strength and mobility.

Full recovery may take several months, depending on the severity.

Strengthening shoulder ligaments helps prevent future injuries.

Prevention of Rotator Cuff Tear

Warm up before physical activities.

Strengthen the rotator cuff muscles with targeted exercises.

Avoid repetitive overhead movements that strain the shoulder tendons.

A healthy shoulder is key to an active lifestyle. Early diagnosis and treatment improve recovery outcomes.

ROTATOR CUFF TEAR