Rotator Cuff Tear

What is a rotator cuff tear?

Your rotator cuff is part of your shoulder joint. It consists of muscles and tendons that stabilize the joint and allow you to lift your arms away from your body. Partial vs. complete rotator cuff tears are a matter of whether the affected tendon tears partially or separates from the bone altogether.

What are the symptoms of rotator cuff tears?

If you have a rotator cuff tear, you might experience the following symptoms:

• Shoulder pain
• Deep aching
• Immediate discomfort
• Ongoing pain
• Discomfort when raising your arm
• Shoulder weakness 
• Instability
• Pain that worsens at night
• Popping or clicking sounds
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Warmth
• Decreased range of motion
• Difficulty sleeping

If shoulder pain doesn’t go away with at-home care, or if the pain is severe, see the Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine team for an evaluation.

What are the risk factors for rotator cuff tears?

Over 2 million Americans develop rotator cuff injuries each year. Common risk factors include:

• Being 40 or older
• Bone spurs
• Overuse
• Poor blood flow
• Lack of exercise and strength
• Poor flexibility
• Smoking
• Family history of shoulder problems
• Physically demanding jobs

You might suffer a rotator cuff tear after playing sports, falling down, being in a car accident, or getting injured at work.

Adopting healthy habits, such as getting regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and maintaining good posture, can reduce your risk of shoulder injuries. Get plenty of sleep, don’t smoke, and use proper form when lifting heavy objects.

How does my provider diagnose rotator cuff tears?

To find out if you have a rotator cuff tear and develop an effective treatment plan, specialists at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine discuss your medical history and symptoms with you. 

They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and evaluate your shoulder joint to look for signs of a problem. Specialists might order blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, or other imaging procedures to confirm a diagnosis. 

How are rotator cuff tears treated?

Depending on the type and severity of the rotator cuff tear you have, the Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine team could recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Resting the affected joint
• Hot or cold packs
• Sling
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Medications
• Steroid injections
• Open tendon repair
• Arthroscopic tendon repair
• Tendon transfer
• Shoulder replacement 

After shoulder surgery, you can expect to wear a sling for a period of time to immobilize your arm. Full recovery after shoulder surgery might take a year or longer in some cases. 

To find out if you have a rotator cuff tear or get treated for shoulder pain, call the nearest Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine office, or book an appointment online today.