The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and allowing you to lift and rotate your arm. A tear in one or more of these tendons is a common source of chronic shoulder pain.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Rotator cuff tears typically present in two ways:
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Acute Tears: Caused by a sudden injury (like a fall onto an outstretched arm). Symptoms include immediate, severe pain and significant weakness.
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Chronic Tears: Develop slowly due to repetitive motion (wear-and-tear) or age. The classic symptoms are pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side, and difficulty lifting your arm away from your side.
Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and is confirmed with an MRI scan, which clearly shows the soft tissues of the tendons.
Treatment Pathways
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Conservative Care: For small tears or chronic cases where function is retained, the initial treatment is physical therapy to strengthen the remaining healthy cuff muscles. Corticosteroid injections may be used for pain relief.
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Surgical Repair: For large, acute tears, or tears that don’t improve with therapy, the preferred method is arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The surgeon uses small instruments and a camera to reattach the torn tendon securely to the head of the humerus (arm bone).
Recovery after surgery involves several months in a sling, followed by a dedicated physiotherapy program to regain motion and strength.
Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for general educational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.