When you develop shoulder pain, especially in cases where moving your arms hurts, chances are you have a rotator cuff injury. Dr. Mark Ciaglia, DO, and Dr. William J. Jordan, MD, at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery in The Woodlands, Texas, have extensive experience treating rotator cuff problems, including performing minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery when needed to ensure you regain optimal strength and function. If you have questions about shoulder pain or need to schedule an appointment, use online booking or call the office today.
The rotator cuff refers to four muscles and their tendons that are responsible for stabilizing your shoulder joint while allowing for full range of arm motion.
With the constant pressure placed on your shoulder through everyday movement, as well as athletic and recreational activities, your rotator cuff is susceptible to injuries.
Partial and complete tears are the most common injuries sustained by your rotator cuff. In most cases, the injury occurs in a tendon.
Rotator cuff tears are caused by:
Acute injuries
This is a sudden injury that occurs when you fall on an outstretched arm or lift a heavy object.
Rotator cuff tears may develop gradually from wear and tear due to:
Athletes, especially tennis players and baseball pitchers, are vulnerable to repetitive stress. Painters, carpenters, and engaging in other types of overhead work also increase your risk for a rotator cuff injury.
Rotator cuff injuries are known for causing pain. You may have ongoing pain in your shoulder or pain that’s triggered when you reach behind your back or move your arm.
Your arm may feel weak, especially if you try to lift something or rotate your arm. Some patients develop a crackling sound or sensation called crepitus in the affected shoulder.
Whenever possible, the first line of treatment is conservative. Your doctor may recommend rest, activity modification, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain. Physical therapy also helps strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and restore function.
Your doctor may administer steroid injections to significantly reduce inflammation and relieve your pain. When conservative approaches don’t improve your symptoms, you may need surgical repair.
The team at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery have extensive experience performing arthroscopic surgery to repair injuries and other problems with your rotator cuff.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a few small incision and specialized surgical tools that fit through the incisions. This type of surgery minimizes blood loss, causes less postoperative pain, and promotes faster healing. It also leaves behind minimal, barely noticeable scars.
If you develop shoulder pain, call the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery or book an appointment online for expert rotator cuff repair.
