Each year, nearly 2 million people in the United States visit their doctor for problems related to a rotator cuff tear. This common shoulder injury can cause significant pain and limit your daily activities, making it difficult to do everything from lifting groceries to simply combing your hair.
At Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists, we provide athletes throughout Pennsylvania with the range of motion they need to pitch, pass, and stroke. Our team of experts specializes in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions, helping you get back in the game and live without pain. If you're experiencing shoulder discomfort, schedule an appointment with us today.
Let's explore what a rotator cuff tear is, what causes it, and how you can find relief.
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
Recognizing the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear is the first step toward getting the right treatment. While symptoms can vary from person to person, some common signs indicate a potential tear.
Many people experience a dull, deep ache in their shoulder. This pain often worsens at night, making it difficult to sleep, especially if you lie on the affected side. You might also notice that the pain gets worse when you lift or lower your arm or perform specific movements like reaching behind your back.
Another key symptom is weakness in the affected arm. Simple tasks that require lifting, such as carrying a bag of groceries or reaching for an item on a high shelf, can suddenly feel challenging. You may also find it difficult to lift your arm away from your side. Some people report hearing or feeling a crackling or popping sensation when they move their shoulder in certain ways.
What causes a rotator cuff tear?
There are two main causes of rotator cuff tears: acute injury and gradual degeneration.
An acute tear happens suddenly, often from a single traumatic event. This could be a fall onto an outstretched arm, lifting something too heavy with a jerking motion, or a sports injury. These injuries are common in contact sports or activities that involve repetitive overhead motions, like tennis or baseball.
More frequently, rotator cuff tears are the result of degeneration, where the tendon wears down over time. This process is a natural part of aging, as blood supply to the rotator cuff tendons can decrease, impairing the body's ability to repair tendon damage. Over years of use, small tears can develop and eventually grow larger. Other factors that contribute to degenerative tears include repetitive stress from jobs or sports that require frequent overhead arm movements and the development of bone spurs that can rub on the rotator cuff tendon.
How is a rotator cuff tear diagnosed and treated?
To diagnose a rotator cuff tear, your doctor will start with a physical examination, checking your shoulder's range of motion and strength. They may also use imaging tests like an X-ray to check for bone spurs, an ultrasound, or an MRI to get a detailed view of the tendons and soft tissues.
Once diagnosed, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of your tear, your age, and your activity level. Rotator cuff tear treatment often begins with non-surgical methods. These can include:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that cause shoulder pain.
- Physical therapy: Specific exercises to restore flexibility and strengthen the muscles around your shoulder.
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
If the tear is large or if non-surgical treatments don't improve your symptoms, surgery may be necessary. The goal of surgery is to reattach the torn tendon to the upper arm bone. The specific surgical technique will depend on your individual situation. Successful rotator cuff injury recovery depends on a dedicated rehabilitation program after surgery to regain strength and motion.
Find relief from shoulder pain today
A rotator cuff tear can be a painful and disruptive injury, but with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can restore your shoulder's function and return to your favorite activities. Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists is here to help you navigate your recovery journey.
Schedule an appointment with our experts at Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists to get the personalized care you need to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What causes a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear can be caused by acute injuries, such as falling on an outstretched arm, or from repetitive overhead motions that lead to wear and tear over time. Aging and degeneration of the tendons can also contribute to this condition.
2. What are the common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
Common symptoms include persistent shoulder pain, difficulty lifting or rotating the arm, weakness in the shoulder, and a popping or crackling sensation when moving the joint.
3. How is a rotator cuff tear diagnosed?
A rotator cuff tear is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to assess the extent of the injury.
4. What treatment options are available for a rotator cuff tear?
Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections for less severe cases. For more severe tears, surgical repair might be recommended to restore the function of the shoulder.
5. How long does recovery take after a rotator cuff tear?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the tear and the type of treatment. Non-surgical treatments may take several weeks to months, while surgical recovery can take several months, including physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion.
