Treatment and Recovery for Rotator Cuff Tear

by Kevin Smith Author

You may think of a baseball pitcher or a football quarterback when you hear about a rotator cuff tear, but, in fact, millions of people suffer from this shoulder injury. A torn rotator cuff weakens your shoulder, making simple tasks, like combing your hair, difficult.

Getting Your Rotator Cuff Diagnosed

A rotator cuff tear can develop suddenly or gradually. You may hear a snap in your arm and experience immediate weakness, or you may feel mild pain, which eventually gets worse. You may not experience pain, but only weakness in your arm. If you experience symptoms of a torn rotator cuff in Atlanta, get your condition checked out. X-rays or a MIR can show whether you have a tear.

Non-Surgical Treatment for a Rotator Cuff Tear

An orthopedist may determine that you don't need surgery. You may only need to rest and avoid overhead activity for a while. Medication, such as ibuprofen, may reduce your pain. You may wear a brace while your shoulder heals.

Your orthopedist may recommend physical therapy. Your physical therapist will recommend a program that will make your shoulder stronger and improve your range of motion. If you tore your rotator cuff at work, your orthopedist and your therapist will work with your employer and case manager to modify your work duties and get you back to your regular job as soon as possible.

If rest, medication, and therapy don't bring your pain under control, your orthopedist may inject cortisone into your shoulder to relieve the pain and swelling. A shoulder arthroscopy can be used to inspect, diagnose, and repair some conditions.

You May Need Surgery to Repair Your Torn Rotator Cuff

Your orthopedist may recommend surgery if you are an athlete or if you perform overhead tasks in your job. Surgery may also be necessary if you have a full cuff tear or if non-surgical measures are not successful. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss with you what is involved in the surgery—re-attaching the tendon in your shoulder to the upper arm bone—and the risks involved.

Post-Surgery Therapy and Rehabilitation

Following your surgery, you'll need physical therapy to increase your strength and range of motion. You'll get the rehabilitation you need to get back on the field, get back to work, or just get back to doing your daily activities.

If you have a rotator cuff tear in Atlanta, you can find a center that can diagnose your condition, give you proper care, and give you the necessary therapy and rehab to get you back to doing the things you enjoy.