The rotator cuff is an important part of your shoulder. It helps to stabilize your shoulder by holding the humerus (ball) and scapula (glenoid socket) together while you raise and rotate your arm. The result of a torn rotator cuff is pain and shoulder weakness. Continue reading to learn answers to the most common torn rotator cuff questions and when a torn rotator cuff surgery in Pensacola would be necessary.
How does the rotator cuff tear? Also, how exactly would you know you’ve suffered a tear?
During the movement of your shoulder, the rotator cuff is responsible for keeping the humeral head of your shoulder depressed into the scapula. However, the humeral head will elevate and hit the outside part of the scapula (acromion) if it doesn’t stay within the scapula. This will result in impingement, which leads to inflammation in the tendon (tendinitis) and inflammation in the bursa (bursitis). Ultimately, this results in partial and then full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Individuals will begin to experience weakness and pain.
The following test is just one way to determine if you’ve sustained a tear:
- Sit down comfortably in a chair.
- Bend your elbow 90°.
- Make sure your elbow is tucked into your side.
- Ask someone to push your hand in toward your stomach while you try to push out.
If you feel pain and/or are unable to hold that position, you may have a torn rotator cuff and should get a consultation as soon as possible.
How does it feel when you have a torn rotator cuff?
Typical symptoms include:
- Loss of range of motion
- Recurrent pain with overhead activity
- Vague pain in the front of your shoulder
- Night pain that awakens you from sleep
- Pain that radiates down the side of your arm
- Snapping or catching sensation when you move your arm
- Weakness (especially when attempting to lift your arm)
- Difficulty raising the arm away from your side
Does a torn rotator cuff heal on its own?
In some cases, conventional methods like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and steroid injections are used in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. However, surgery is recommended if the tear is complete. A complete tear means there are no more fibers attached to the bone and it’s impossible to heal on its own.
What is the average recovery time for rotator cuff injuries?
Depending on the size of the tear, most recovery takes 4 to 6 months or more. The majority of activities can resume at 6 months; however, it will take up to a year for the rotator cuff to heal.
Is rehabilitation important in the treatment of a torn rotator cuff?
Regardless if you opt for a nonsurgical or surgical treatment option, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovery. Appropriate rehabilitation to strengthen your periscapular muscles and rotator cuff muscles will reduce the overall recovery time as well as help you reach your ideal function.
Visit https://ogradyorthopaedics.com/ to discuss your options and help discover what program fits best for your specific needs.
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