A torn rotator cuff is a condition that results when a rip occurs around the four muscles and tendons that stabilize a person’s shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons allow a person to lift and rotate their arm without feeling any pain. At Boston Orthopaedic P.C., we take care of such issues by offering you the best physical therapy and orthopedic care in Fall River, Springfield, and New Bedford, MA.
Torn Rotator Cuff
There are two types of a torn rotator cuff: A partial tear and a complete tear. A partial tear results when a single muscle that forms the rotator cuff is damaged or frayed. On the other hand, a complete tear injures the tendon and pulls this group of muscles off the bone.
Rotator cuff injuries are typical for sports players who participate in sports like tennis, basketball, or workers who clean windows or paint. It results from everyday wear and tear, primarily when a single arm is used repeatedly to perform the same task without a break. It can also occur suddenly when lifting something heavy or in a traumatic accident.
Torn Rotator Cuff Symptoms
A torn rotator cuff is not always easily recognizable. The following is a list of symptoms that could indicate a rotator cuff injury:
- When you are not able to lift objects like you normally can
- When you hear your arms popping or clicking when you try to move them
- Inability to lift the affected arm
- Shoulder weakness
- Feeling pain when you lie on your arm or try to move it in some way
When you experience such signs, consult our orthopedic care services to prevent the condition from worsening and becoming arthritis or a frozen shoulder.
Causes and Risk Factors of a Torn Rotator Cuff
A torn rotator cuff results from having your tendons worn down for some time or having your shoulder injured.
Below are the risk factors that can lead to a rotator cuff injury:
- Age - Torn rotator cuffs are common to people who are over 60 years of age
- Occupation - People in some jobs like construction workers and painters are always at a higher risk of torn rotator cuffs
- Athletics - Players who participate in weightlifting, tennis, rowing, and baseball that stress the rotator cuff are at higher risk of tears
- Bone spurs – Bone spurs that overgrow around the shoulder can wear down the tissues of the rotator cuff. This mainly occurs with older people
Torn Rotator Cuff treatment
Our doctors recommend the following treatments for a torn rotator cuff:
- Some rest allows the rotator cuff to recover.
- Physical therapy, and orthopedic care to strengthen your shoulder muscles.
Visit Boston Orthopaedic P.C. for Torn Rotator Cuff Treatment
If you have a rotator cuff injury, you need to acquire treatment. At Boston Orthopaedic, PC., serving Fall River, Springfield, and New Bedford, MA, we will first do a comprehensive examination of your rotator cuff to determine the cause of the tear. From there, we can provide orthopedic care and physical therapy for treatment. Call one of our locations to schedule an appointment.