Shoulder Smarts: A Guide to Rotator Cuff Injuries
Whether you’re an experienced athlete, weekend warrior or juggling daily activities, rotator cuff injuries could be the cause of shoulder pain.
Board-certified surgeon Shaun Khosla, MD, medical director of orthopedics at Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center, breaks down symptoms, treatment and prevention of rotator cuff injuries. Your path to pain-free movement starts here!
What is the rotator cuff and why is it so important to shoulder function?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that helps stabilize the shoulder joint and allows the shoulder to move in different rotational patterns. The most common types of rotator cuff injuries include inflammation, tendinitis and tearing of the tendon tissue. Trauma, such as a fall or using the arm to catch oneself, can cause acute rotator cuff tears. Certain jobs that require repetitive overhead lifting or manual labor may predispose a person to developing rotator cuff issues. Age-related changes also play a role.
What are the early signs of a rotator cuff injury?
Early signs may include pain with overhead lifting or reaching out to the side, a dull ache in the shoulder, and nighttime pain. These can all occur with varying intensity and start slowly. With trauma such as a fall, pain might start suddenly and it may be difficult or impossible to raise the arm to the side or overhead. In these cases, patients should seek early orthopedic evaluation for an acute tear.
When should someone stop “waiting it out” and see a doctor?
If chronic shoulder pain does not improve after a reasonable period of time with over-the-counter medications and activity modification, patients should see an orthopedist to evaluate their shoulder. In acute trauma, seeking an early orthopedic evaluation can make a difference in treatment outcomes. Risks of ignoring a rotator cuff tear include increasing the size of the tear and retraction, which can make the tear much more difficult and, in some cases, impossible to repair.
What are the most effective nonsurgical treatments? When is surgery necessary, and what does recovery typically involve?
Effective nonsurgical treatment includes physical therapy as the mainstay, with oral anti-inflammatory medications as well as selective use of a cortisone injection. When surgery is necessary, recovery typically involves extensive physical therapy. Recovery after a typical shoulder rotator cuff repair takes approximately four to six months.
How can people prevent shoulder injuries?
Appropriate stretching and warm-ups are vitally important to help prevent musculoskeletal injury in all areas of the body, especially as people get older. Also, I tell my patients to incorporate cross training so that one body part or muscle is not constantly being overused. This may help prevent wear-and-tear issues.
For the most part, rotator cuff tears will not heal on their own. Therefore, seeking orthopedic care is necessary to appropriately manage your condition and get the treatment necessary for the long-term health of your shoulder.
