Medical Options for Treatment of Rotator Cuffs

by Kevin Smith Author

If you’re feeling discomfort or weakness in a shoulder, the rotator cuff may be the reason. The rotator cuff is the part of the shoulder that helps you raise and rotate your arms. When pain is present, your body is letting you know something is wrong. If your condition is severe, rotator cuff surgery in Atlanta can be performed by many qualified medical professionals, but surgery is not the only treatment option. Many less intensive treatment options can sometimes offer relief.

You might wonder what causes rotator cuff injuries in the first place. It could be one of several things. Hereditary factors influence the probability, with some people just more prone to shoulder problems. Age is another contributing factor. Plus, some activities such as sports with lots of arm motions and laboring jobs with heavy lifting can bring on rotator cuff injuries.

Here Are Rotator Cuff Treatment Choices Your Doctor May Suggest:

Rest

For minor discomfort, you may only need rest and relaxation. Sometimes taking it easy is the most practical choice. If you’ve strained your shoulders due to overexertion, you might find the pain goes away after a few days of minimizing any strenuous use of your shoulder. Keeping an ice pack on your shoulder for a time can help, too.

Injections

If pain persists, your doctor may recommend an injection to reduce discomfort. While an injection can offer temporary relief, it’s not a long-term, permanent solution. Besides discomfort, rotator cuff injuries often lead to shoulder weakness. The use of injections masks the pain, but it does nothing to strengthen the shoulder. Injections are often an intermediary treatment option.

Therapy

Seeing a physical therapist is a good option because it will help you increase strength in your shoulder. Sometimes therapy is all you’ll need to regain function and lower discomfort, and other times it’s a step leading to surgery. If you can get by with non-surgical treatment, it’s advisable to follow that path.

Surgery

If less intensive treatments are not enough, your doctor may recommend surgery. Rotator cuff surgery is not a single-option treatment. There are several different surgical procedures available, depending on the severity of your injury. Surgical procedures could range from tendon repair or bone spur removal to full shoulder replacement. Your doctor will evaluate your situation and offer recommendations.

Never Ignore Shoulder Discomfort

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or weakness, don’t just try to tough it out. Medical providers that offer rotator cuff surgery in Atlanta can offer you several treatment options, some of which do not involve surgery. These doctors can help restore your quality of life with a pain-free shoulder.