Shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily life, limiting your ability to perform simple tasks or engage in activities you enjoy. Often, the culprit behind this discomfort is a rotator cuff injury. Is rotator cuff repair right for you?
The rotator cuff is made up of a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. It provides stability and allows for a wide range of motion. When these tendons become inflamed or torn, they can lead to significant pain and weakness. While non-surgical treatments are often effective for rotator cuff injuries, some may require surgery for optimal healing and a return to full function.
At Total Shoulder in Carmel, Indiana, our board-certified orthopedic shoulder specialist, Dr. Stephen
Jacobsen, and his team have extensive experience diagnosing and treating rotator cuff injuries. This blog aims to provide insights into whether rotator cuff repair is the right treatment option for you.
Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries
The shoulder rotator cuff consists of four different muscles, including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles attach to the shoulder bone (humerus) through tendons. Rotator cuff injuries can involve tendonitis (inflammation), strains (microtears), or complete tears.
The rotator cuff provides stability and allows for a wide range of motion. Injuries, such as tears and strains, can occur for various reasons. Overuse, repetitive overhead motions, sudden forceful movements, or age-related degeneration can also lead to developing injuries.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a shoulder specialist for evaluation:
- Pain in the shoulder, especially at night or when reaching overhead
- Weakness in the arm, making it difficult to lift objects
- Limited range of motion
- Clicking or popping with shoulder movement
- Difficulty performing daily activities like combing your hair or getting dressed
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best recovery. If left untreated, a rotator cuff injury can worsen and lead to long-term complications.
Diagnosis of a Rotator Cuff Tear
During your appointment at Total Shoulder, Dr. Stephen Jacobsen will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. This may involve assessing your range of motion, strength, and tenderness. Imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the tear.
Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Repair
Non-surgical treatment options, including rest, physical therapy, and medications, are often the first defense against rotator cuff injuries. However, surgery might be considered the best course of action in cases involving severe tears, persistent pain, or when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief.
The good news is that most rotator cuff injuries can be treated effectively without surgery. The initial approach often involves:
- Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain allows for inflammation to
- Physical therapy to help strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and improve shoulder
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to help manage pain and
- Cortisone injections to provide localized pain relief and reduce
However, if conservative treatment fails to provide adequate pain relief or improve function after a reasonable trial period, surgery may be recommended.
There are two main types of rotator cuff repair surgery:
- Arthroscopic surgery: Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that utilizes a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through tiny incisions.
- Open surgery: Sometimes, a larger incision may be necessary to access and repair the
Is Rotator Cuff Repair Right for Me? Considerations from Carmel Shoulder Specialists Dr. Stephen Jacobsen at Total Shoulder will consider several factors when recommending rotator cuff repair surgery:
The Severity of the Tear
Larger or complete tears may require surgery for optimal healing and long-term functionality.
Persistent Pain
If pain continues to impact your daily life despite conservative treatment significantly, surgery may offer a solution.
Activity Level
If you are an active individual who desires a full return to sports or physically demanding activities, surgery might be the best course of action.
Response to Non-Surgical Treatment
If physical therapy and medications fail to provide significant improvement, surgery may be necessary.
Benefits of Rotator Cuff Repair
Successful rotator cuff repair surgery can offer several benefits, including:
- Improved pain relief: Surgery can significantly reduce or eliminate shoulder pain by addressing the underlying tear.
- Increased strength and mobility: Regaining a strong and stable shoulder joint allows for a wider range of motion and improved functionality.
- Enhanced function: Surgery can help you return to everyday activities and the sports or hobbies you enjoy.
Recovery After Rotator Cuff Repair
Following surgery, a dedicated physical therapy program is crucial for optimal recovery. This program will focus on pain management, regaining strength and mobility, and managing scar tissue. Returning to full activity usually takes several months, depending on the severity of the injury and the type of surgery performed.
Best Rotator Repair Near Carmel, IN
Rotator cuff injuries can be disruptive and frustrating, but they do not have to control your life. At Total Shoulder in Carmel, IN, Dr. Stephen Jacobsen is committed to helping you achieve optimal shoulder health. We offer a comprehensive approach to rotator cuff injuries, from diagnosis and non-surgical treatment options to surgical intervention when necessary.
Do not wait to address your shoulder pain! Schedule an appointment with Dr. Stephen Jacobsen at Total Shoulder today. Call us at (317) 705-4392 or request your appointment online to learn more about our services. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to a successful recovery and returning to the activities you love.
