What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

 The rotator cuff tendons stabilize the shoulder and help it move. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of the rotator cuff tendons are torn. Tendon tears can be partial or complete. They are grouped into non-degenerative and degenerative categories.

Common Causes:

• Sports injuries
• Traumatic accidents
• Osteoarthritis

Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear may include:

• Pain
• Weakness
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Decreased range of motion/inability to move the arm

When you arrive for your initial consultation, one of our team of shoulder specialists will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

When diagnosing a rotator cuff tear, The OPA Shoulder Specialist:

• A medical, injury, and symptom history review
• A physical examination
• Multiple view x-rays

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options may be used to treat some rotator cuff tears. An OPA specialist’s nonsurgical treatment plan includes:

NSAIDs

Decrease inflammation and pain.

Physical Therapy

One of OPA’s onsite physical therapists prescribes and monitors strengthening and stretching exercises.

Rest & Ice

Temporarily stopping or slowing down activities that cause shoulder tendonitis gives inflammation a chance to calm down.

Many complete rotator cuff tendon tears require surgical intervention. The team of shoulder specialists have expertise in performing minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs.