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PLEASE CONSULT THE DOCTOR REGARDING ANY INJURIES FOR PROPER CARE.
Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff in your shoulder has four muscles and tendons or fibrous cords which attach the muscles to bone. The rotator cuff covers the top portion of the upper arm bone (the humerus) and attaches your upper arm to your shoulder blade (clavicle). The rotator cuff holds the shoulder joint in place while allowing you to lift your arm and reach overhead. Partial rotator cuff tears sometimes occur because of chronic inflammation and development of spurs under the joint that joins the end of the collarbone with the shoulder blade. Full rotator cuff tears may develop from partial tears, heavy lifting or strenuous overhead motion such as pitching or painting a ceiling, an injury from a fall, age or reduced blood in the area.
Signs and Symptoms
Rotator cuff injuries can cause fairly constant pain, limitation of motion, and weakness. Pain can continue over several months, but more often at night, and can be in the shoulder or down the upper arm. Muscle weakness can occur, especially in severe tears that are not treated. If you are not able to extend an arm away from your body, you probably have suffered a torn rotator cuff.
Treatment options
There are to methods to treat a torn rotator cuff, depending on the severity of the damage.
Conservative
Treatments include rest and anti-inflammatory medications - usually nonsteroidal. A physical therapy program which includes strengthening and stretching exercises are recommended. Corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain. Usually no more than three injections are given since more may weaken the tendon. Patients should avoid activities that require them to raise their arms.
Surgical
Arthroscopy, in which miniature instruments are inserted into small incisions, can be used to remove bone spurs or inflammatory portions of muscle and to repair minor tears. Open reconstruction should be performed for larger tears. Joint replacement is done in the most severe cases. Patients have better results if surgery is completed within six weeks of an injury
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