Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a grouping of tendons and muscles that come together at the shoulder joint, resting at the top of the upper arm bone (humerus). The function of the rotator cuff is to both stabilize the arm's position, as well as allow full range of motion. Though the shoulder joint and rotator cuff can extend and move in many directions, it is actually a weaker joint than others, and it is prone to deterioration under continued stress.

Rotator cuff tears often occur as a result of sports-related overuse or injury. It's common for swimmers, as well as baseball, softball, and tennis players to incur a rotator cuff tear because of the regular stress put upon the tendons. Typically, partial tears occur over a sustained period of time, followed by inflammation and ultimately the tendons can totally pull away from the shoulder bone or tear down the middle if left untreated. Sudden impact to the shoulder, such as a fall or through weightlifting, can also cause a rotator cuff tear.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include: shoulder and arm pain that varies depending on the severity of the rotator cuff tear, a weak and tender feeling in the affected shoulder, difficulty lifting your arm above your head, a snap or cracking upon moving the shoulder, or the inability to sleep on the shoulder.

Using an X-Ray, MRI, or other imaging technology, at Encino Orthopedics Center, Dr. Reisch will assess the severity of your rotator cuff tear in order to determine the best course of treatment. Some serious rotator cuff tears may require a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to repair the rotator cuff. Physical therapy is also an important part of treatment and recovery for a rotator cuff tear, in order to restore full strength and range of motion.