Shoulder pain from a torn rotator cuff can disrupt your daily life. Tasks like lifting groceries or reaching for something can become challenging and painful. Ignoring this kind of injury is not harmless. It can worsen your condition and limit mobility over time.

Seeing a doctor for torn rotator cuff pain is crucial to relieve discomfort and prevent permanent shoulder damage.

In this blog, we will explain what a rotator cuff tear is, common symptoms, treatment options, and why you should consult a doctor for torn rotator cuff pain without delay.

What is a Torn Rotator Cuff?

Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow it to move. A torn rotator cuff occurs when one or more of these tendons are damaged.

Tears can happen due to the following reasons:

Repeated Overuse: Daily repetitive motions, such as throwing or lifting, can eventually lead to tiny tears in the tendons.
Acute Injury: Falling on your shoulder or lifting something heavy too quickly can tear the rotator cuff.
Age-Related Degeneration: Tendons can weaken with age, especially in people over 40.

Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff

Recognizing the symptoms of a torn rotator cuff early is key to preventing further damage. Here are the most common indicators:

Persistent shoulder pain, especially at night
Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
A cracking or popping sensation when moving the shoulder
Limited range of motion

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor for torn rotator cuff pain before it worsens.

Why You Need a Doctor for Torn Rotator Cuff Pain

Taking the time to see a doctor for torn rotator cuff pain can make all the difference in your recovery. Here is why:

Accurate Diagnosis

Rotator cuff pain is similar to other shoulder injuries, like frozen shoulder or tendonitis. A doctor can perform tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs to confirm the injury and assess its severity.

Prevent Further Damage

Untreated torn rotator cuffs can worsen over time. Complete tears may lead to chronic shoulder dysfunction or arthritis.

A shoulder doctor will guide you toward the care necessary to stop the damage from progressing.

Tailored Treatment Plans

Whether your tear needs a non-surgical approach like physical therapy or advanced surgical repair, a doctor can ensure your treatment is personalized to your needs.

At Total Shoulder, for instance, treatment ranges from guided injections to arthroscopic surgery, tailored to address the root cause of your shoulder pain.

Here is a breakdown of common treatments shoulder doctors may prescribe:

Nonsurgical Treatments

Many minor or partial tears can improve with nonsurgical options, such as:

Physical Therapy: Therapists will guide you through exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and function in your shoulder.
Medications: Non-prescription drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help manage torn rotator cuff pain and inflammation.
Steroid Injections: A shoulder doctor may recommend cortisone injections to relieve inflammation and provide temporary torn rotator cuff pain relief.

These treatments are effective for many, but they focus on symptom management rather than repairing the tear itself.

Surgical Treatments

If nonsurgical approaches fail to relieve pain from a torn rotator cuff or if the tear is severe, shoulder surgery may be necessary. Options include:

Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure to repair the tear, often involving little downtime.
Tendon Transfer: If the damage is beyond repair, tendons from other parts of your body may be used to restore function.
Shoulder Replacement: In extreme cases, surgery like reverse shoulder arthroplasty can replace the joint altogether.

Pain Relief

Living with chronic pain due to a torn rotator cuff can diminish your quality of life. Shoulder doctors offer effective pain management options like anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen or Advil) or cortisone injections to alleviate discomfort as part of the treatment process.

The Risk of Delaying Treatment

Many believe shoulder pain will resolve on its own, but this is seldom the case for rotator cuff tears. Delaying treatment increases your risk of:

Chronic pain
Progressive weakness or stiffness
Further tearing of the tendon
Development of arthritis

Avoid these risks by addressing shoulder pain early with a doctor.

Doctor for Torn Rotator Cuff Pain in Carmel, Indiana

At Total Shoulder, Dr. Stephen Jacobsen and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating rotator cuff injuries. Located in Carmel, Indiana, our Dr. Jacobsen is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with expertise in restoring shoulder health.

By choosing Total Shoulder, you receive compassionate care tailored to your needs. Whether it involves physical therapy or advanced surgical options, our team’s goal is to relieve your pain and get you back to living your life to the fullest.

Call us today at (317) 705-4392 or use our convenient appointment request form to see a shoulder doctor for torn rotator cuff pain. We look forward to serving you!

External:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rotator-cuff-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350225