Failure of tendon attachment to the tuberosity is the most common type of rotator cuff tear. This commonly occurs near the bicep tendon, known as the anterior of the supraspinatus tendon. Pain from a rotator cuff tear is felt over the outside of the shoulder and upper arm from this injury. Patients often describe difficulty and feel pain when raising the injured arm above the head or reaching behind the back. Even doing normal tasks of putting on a t-shirt or combing your hair draws pain, so for these instances it is time to consider arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Tearing the rotator cuff is caused from a number of injuries. Generally, physical trauma from sports or maneuvers during manual labor is the cause of a torn rotator cuff. Other events that lead up to tears in rotator cuffs include:

• Falling on the arm.

• Lifting or pulling heavy objects improperly.

• Repetitive stress overhead.

• Protruding bone spurs that damage the tendon.

Treating the Rotator Cuff

The first step in dealing with rotator cuff pain is to stop strenuous activities that caused the injury and allow pain to heal with time. Normally physicians will suggest propping up the injured shoulder with ice and compression wraps, but not every injury is the same so please make an appointment with an experienced orthopedic surgeon if pain is persistent. Other conservative forms of treatment may include physical therapy to strengthen and improve shoulder mobility; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also ease inflammation; steroid injections are also a possible treatment to handle joint pain.

The majority of rotator cuff tears require arthroscopic repair. It is a minimally invasive surgery that relieves pain unresponsive to conservative treatment. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, torn rotator cuffs left unattended may lead to a longer tear in the tendon, long-term limitation, and continuous pain in the injured shoulder. Significant weakness, symptoms that last more than six months and loss of regular function of the shoulder are indications of surgical treatment.

Preventing Future Injury

After rotator cuff surgery is completed, we have the tools that will help you recover and prevent recurring damage in the rotator cuff. We help rebuild and show you proper lifestyle alterations and exercises that stretch and rebuild the shoulder safely. Following your orthopedic surgeon’s rehabilitation plan closely will enhance the progression and shoulder stability after treatment. If you are experiencing continuous rotator cuff pain, contact our office to schedule a consultation for rotator cuff repair in Beverly Hills.