Do you have a dull ache deep within your shoulder that often worsens at night, making it difficult for you to sleep? Have you noticed that your arm seems weaker, or that you’re having trouble reaching up or backwards (for example, when you’re combing your hair)?
If any of this sounds familiar, you may have injured your rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons responsible for keeping your upper arm bone (humerus) within your shoulder socket. Rotator cuff injuries are very common, often resulting from normal wear and tear, repeated overhead arm motions, or a sudden impact. But what does treatment usually involve? Below, we explore possible treatment options for rotator cuff injuries, and we also discuss what rotator cuff surgery entails.
How Are Rotator Cuff Injuries Treated?
The appropriate course of treatment for an injured rotator cuff will depend on factors such as the severity of the injury. In many cases, rotator cuff injuries can be treated conservatively by:
- Taking pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication
- Applying a heating pad or an ice pack
- Attending physical therapy
- Receiving corticosteroid injections
- Resting the shoulder
- Avoiding heavy lifting and overhead arm movements
If conservative methods don’t provide relief or your injury is especially severe—for example, if you’ve suddenly torn your rotator cuff—then surgery may become necessary. An experienced orthopaedist can assess your condition and recommend the approach that’s best suited to your specific needs.
What Does Rotator Cuff Surgery Involve?
Rotator cuff surgery can vary from one patient to another depending on the nature of the injury. For example, in some cases, it involves reattaching a torn tendon to bone. Or, if the injured tendon is so damaged that it can’t be reattached, surgery may involve replacing it with another tendon. Especially severe rotator cuff injuries may even require a shoulder replacement.
If your doctor determines that you need rotator cuff surgery, they’ll explain exactly what the procedure will entail and walk you through what to expect before, during, and after surgery. They’ll also let you know whether you’re a candidate for minimally invasive surgical techniques, which can reduce the risk of complications and shorten your recovery timeline.
Tampa Bay’s Choice for Rotator Cuff Treatment
If you think you may have injured your rotator cuff, it’s imperative that you seek treatment from a qualified orthopaedic doctor as soon as possible. Rotator cuff injuries can worsen if left untreated, intensifying symptoms and possibly leading to the need for more extensive treatment later on. And in some cases, failing to treat a rotator cuff injury can result in permanent weakness or loss of motion.
Fortunately, if you’re in Tampa, Florida, or the surrounding area, you can turn to Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group—a division of Florida Medical Clinic—for rotator cuff treatment. We have extensive experience treating rotator cuff injuries, and while we generally recommend taking a conservative approach when possible, we can also perform rotator cuff repair surgery if necessary. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of the orthopaedic specialists on our team.
