A common shoulder injury can cause significant pain and limit arm movement.
What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
A rotator cuff tear occurs when the tendons in your shoulder, which help move your arm and keep it in place, are damaged. This can cause pain and weakness, significantly when raising or rotating your arm.
The rotator cuff usually consists of four muscles and tendons that attach to the upper arm bone (humerus) and stabilize the shoulder joint.
What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?
Tears can be caused by trauma, like a fall or accident, or by wear and tear over time (degenerative tears).
Older adults are more prone to degenerative tears due to decreased blood flow and muscle wear.
Repetitive shoulder movements in sports or work (e.g., baseball, tennis, carpentry) can also lead to overuse injuries, increasing the risk of a tear.
What Are the Signs of a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
- Pain when raising, lowering, or rotating your arm
- Shoulder weakness and trouble lifting objects.
- Popping, clicking, or crackling sounds when moving your arm
- Pain intensifies at night or while resting the arm.
In some cases, you might not experience significant pain but may notice weakness or limited mobility.
How Is a Rotator Cuff Tear Treated?
Treatment for rotator cuff tears can be either nonsurgical or surgical.
Nonsurgical treatments include:
- Resting the shoulder and using an arm sling
- Pain relievers
- Physical therapy to strengthen shoulder muscles
Surgical treatments are recommended if nonsurgical methods don’t provide relief or if the tear is severe.
Surgery typically involves arthroscopy, where small incisions are made to repair the torn tendon.
Recovery may take 4-18 months, Based on the extent of the tear and the chosen treatment method.
What Is the Recovery Duration for a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Recovery from a rotator cuff tear varies. After surgery, patients typically wear a sling for 4-6 weeks and begin physical therapy.
Complete recovery may take 4 to 18 months, with most individuals regaining shoulder function within 4-6 months. However, recurrent injury is still risky, especially with more extensive tears.
Take Care of Your Shoulder Health
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or suspect a rotator cuff tear, seeking medical attention is essential. At Navaladi Spine and Knee Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get back to living pain-free!
