.png)
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears cause severe pain, weakness of the arm, and a crackling sensation when moving the shoulder into certain positions. Individuals may experience stiffness, swelling, loss of movement, and tenderness in the front of the shoulder.
What Can Cause Rotator Cuff Tears?
Rotator cuff tears result from pressure on the rotator cuff from part of the shoulder blade (scapula) as the arm is lifted. This may occur with repeated use of the arm for overhead activities, while playing sports, or during motor accidents.
-
Anatomy: The rotator cuff consists of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles, which attach to the shoulder blade and humerus.
-
Causes:
-
Trauma: Sudden injury, such as falling on the shoulder or lifting something too heavy.
-
Repetitive Stress: Overuse, especially in athletes (e.g., pitchers, swimmers) or individuals with jobs involving overhead motions.
-
Aging: Degenerative changes due to wear and tear over time, often seen in individuals over 40.
-
-
Symptoms:
-
Shoulder pain, especially when lifting the arm or during overhead activities.
-
Weakness or difficulty raising the arm.
-
A clicking or popping sound in the shoulder.
-
Limited range of motion and difficulty sleeping on the affected side.
-
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ROTATOR CUFF TEARS
As with most orthopedic conditions, patients will often begin with a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, ice and rest (and in some cases, steroid injections). When these methods are no longer effective, Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics offers the latest in cutting-edge treatments to reduce pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Some of these innovative alternatives to surgery include Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine treatments, such as:
-
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Use your own platelets to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
-
Stem Cell Injections: Use your own adipose (fat) cells to stimulate regrowth of damaged tissue (primarily beneficial for arthritis and major injuries).
-
Prolotherapy: Uses dextrose (sugar water) in place of steroid to reduce pain and promote healing.
-
Shockwave: A non-invasive therapy that uses impulses to treat chronic pain and repair tissue.
See the full list of conditions and treatments offered at Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics.
READ MORE ABOUT ROTATOR CUFF TEARS
The rotator cuff is the group of tendons in the shoulder joint providing support and enabling wider range of motion. Major injury to these tendons may result in the tearing of these tendons, known as a rotator cuff tear. It is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain in middle aged adults and older individuals. Diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear is based on physical examination, X-rays, and imaging studies, such as an MRI (rotator cuff tears are best viewed on magnetic resonance imaging). A rotator cuff tear may cause shoulder pain, tenderness, reduced range of motion, and other potentially disabling symptoms. When seeking to resolve their rotator cuff symptoms, many patients wonder: “Is there a treatment for torn rotator cuff without surgery?” Indeed, there are several nonsurgical treatment options which can help alleviate symptoms. Generally speaking, nonsurgical options are usually prescribed first for partial rotator cuff tears, with surgery being a last-resort option in most cases. Full thickness rotator cuff tears in the active patient will usually require surgery to heal the rotator cuff back to bone.
WHY CAROLINA
NONSURGICAL ORTHOPEDICS
-
All Providers are BOARD CERTIFIED and Specially Trained in Nonsurgical Orthopedics
-
Over 50,000+ and Counting Procedures Performed
-
Procedures Performed with Ultrasound Guidance for Accuracy and Safety
-
Local and Independent Practice That is NOT a Franchise
-
Discounts for Service Members, Teachers, and Public Servants
-
Serving Raleigh Since 2013