A rotator cuff injury is a tear in the four muscles and tendons that support your shoulder and allow you to raise and rotate your arms. Rotator cuff tear West Chester causes instant, acute shoulder discomfort, and arm weakness. Mild discomfort from degenerative tears may be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications. The discomfort worsens with time, and pain medications become ineffective. The following are symptoms of rotator cuff tear:

1. Difficulty and discomfort caused by lifting your arm.
2. Shoulder discomfort that gets worse at night or when resting your arm.
3. Clicking or popping sounds or sensations when moving your arm.
4. Shoulder weakness and difficulty lifting objects.

Can rotator cuff tears impact both shoulders?

Tears usually happen on your dominant side, although they can be on any side. A tear in one shoulder raises the chances of another tear in your opposite shoulder. You may not have shoulder discomfort on the opposite side, but examinations may reveal a tear. Also, the contrary might be true: you may have a tear but experience no pain or indicators.

Nonsurgical therapies for rotator cuff tears

Rotator cuff injuries don’t heal independently without surgery, although many patients may improve functionally and reduce pain with nonsurgical therapies by strengthening their shoulder muscles.

Just because there is a rip does not always mean surgery is required. About eight out of 10 individuals with partial tears get better with nonsurgical procedures. It may take up to a year for the illness to improve. Nonsurgical options include:

• An arm sling and rest to help your shoulder to recover. You might require to adjust activities and stop specific work or sports temporarily.
• Physical therapy to learn stretching and strengthening activities.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce discomfort and swelling.
• Steroid injections to alleviate swelling and pain.

The complications of a rotator cuff tear

If your rotator cuff injury is not treated, you may develop weakness or lose your capacity to move your shoulder permanently. Also, your shoulder joints might deteriorate. You’ll have to rest your shoulder while it heals, but if you do so for too long, your connective tissue will thicken and become stiff. This is referred to as a frozen shoulder.

How to prevent a rotator cuff tear

Exercises to strengthen your shoulders will help minimize your chance of rotator cuff injury, particularly if you’re in the high-risk category. Concentrate on the front muscles of the chest, shoulder, upper arm, and rear of the shoulder since this helps to balance your muscles. You should consult your doctor for exercises to help strengthen your shoulder region.

The outlook for those with a rotator cuff tear

Most individuals see improvements with nonsurgical therapies. Recovery takes time since your body requires time to heal. Also, most patients who undergo surgery to correct a torn rotator cuff regain function. It’s conceivable to tear the same tendon again, particularly if the initial tear was larger than 1 inch. A re-tear that causes significant discomfort or loss of mobility may necessitate surgery.

If you work an extremely physical job or are an athlete, a rotator cuff tear will likely bench you, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your career. Speak with your healthcare professional about the appropriate therapy options, nonsurgical or surgical. Call Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine or book your appointment online to determine which rotator cuff tear procedures suit you.