Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears: Causes, Types, and Treatment

A rotator cuff tear can significantly impact your shoulder’s mobility and cause persistent pain. At City Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, our dedicated team specializes in diagnosing and treating various shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears, to help you regain function and alleviate discomfort.

What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

The rotator cuff consists of muscles that connect to the bones within your shoulder joint, enabling a wide range of motion. When one of these muscles becomes damaged due to injury or chronic wear and tear, it’s referred to as a rotator cuff injury or tear. Such an injury results in shoulder pain and reduced range of motion.

In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to achieve full healing and restore proper shoulder function. At Specialty Orthopaedics, our experienced team is well-equipped to address various shoulder injuries, tailoring treatments to your specific needs.

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

There are two common types of rotator cuff tears:

1. Partial Rotator Cuff Tear: This occurs when only a portion of the tissues is torn, necessitating surgery when the tear is severe and unable to heal naturally.
2. Full Rotator Cuff Tear: In this case, the tissues are entirely separated into two pieces, requiring surgical reattachment for proper healing.

Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to consult an orthopedic specialist experienced in rotator cuff injuries and repairs:

• Shoulder Pain: Persistent and often intense pain in the shoulder.
• Shoulder Weakness: Reduced strength and stability in the affected shoulder.
• Shoulder Tenderness: Sensitivity and discomfort in the shoulder area.
• Inability to Lift Your Arm: Difficulty or an inability to raise your arm.
• Disrupted Sleep: Difficulty sleeping due to shoulder discomfort.
• Audible Shoulder Noises: Clicking or popping sensations when moving your shoulder.

Diagnosing a Rotator Cuff Tear

Our orthopedic physicians at City Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine have extensive experience in evaluating and diagnosing various shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tears. We prioritize a personalized approach, taking the time to understand your medical history, current symptoms, and concerns before making an accurate diagnosis.

While physical examinations and symptom discussions often yield accurate results, we may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to assess the extent of the shoulder damage.

Treating a Rotator Cuff Tear

Our team focuses on conservative treatment options whenever possible to alleviate your pain and improve shoulder function. These options may include:

• Rest: Allowing the affected shoulder time to heal.
• Ice: Managing pain and reducing inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Customized exercises to strengthen the shoulder and enhance range of motion.
• Medications: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications.
• Injections: Targeted injections to alleviate pain and inflammation.

In cases of severe rotator cuff tears or those that do not heal naturally, we may recommend arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. This minimally invasive procedure allows our orthopedic surgeons to manually reconnect the torn tissues, promoting proper healing. Additionally, we offer advanced regenerative tissue techniques, including stem cells and bio-inductive patch implants, to accelerate healing and recovery.

Don’t let a rotator cuff tear limit your shoulder function and quality of life. Contact City Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine today for personalized treatment options tailored to your needs. We are committed to helping you regain a pain-free, active lifestyle