Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment in Illinois

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability, range of motion and strength to the upper extremity. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons become damaged, either partially or completely. This condition can result from an acute injury or develop over time due to wear and tear.

Rotator cuff tears are categorized into two types:

• Partial Tear: The tendon is damaged but not completely torn.
• Full-Thickness Tear: The tendon is torn completely, detaching it from the bone.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tears

Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and loss of function. Common signs include:

• Shoulder pain, often on the outside of the shoulder, especially during overhead movements
• Weakness in the shoulder or arm with overhead activities
• Limited range of motion due to pain
• Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm
• A popping or clicking sensation in the shoulder
• Pain at night that can disrupt sleep

Diagnosing Rotator Cuff Tears

To diagnose a rotator cuff tear, medical professionals perform a thorough physical examination, review the patient’s medical history, and may recommend imaging tests. During the physical exam, the doctor may assess the patient’s range of motion, muscle strength, and pain response. Diagnostic methods include:

• X-ray: Xrays show bone, can diagnose arthritis in the shoulder, and can reveal bone spurs or other issues that may contribute to a rotator cuff tear.
• MRI: Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including tendons and muscles, to confirm the presence and severity of the tear.
• Ultrasound: Offers real-time images of the rotator cuff and shoulder joint, allowing for dynamic assessment.

Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Options

The treatment for a rotator cuff tear depends on the severity of the injury, the patient’s activity level, and their overall health. Options include both non-surgical and surgical approaches.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the shoulder can help reduce pain and promote healing.
• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve range of motion, and restore function.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over the counter or prescription NSAIDs can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation in severe cases.
• Platelet Rich Plasma Injections: Injection a patient's own platelets may be able to help with tendon healing and decrease inflammation in the shoulder.
• Hot and Cold Therapy: Alternating heat and ice packs can help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.

Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery

Surgery is typically recommended for significant tears, particularly in active individuals or cases where non-surgical treatments have not provided relief. Surgical options include:

• Arthroscopic Repair: A minimally invasive out patient procedure where small instruments are used to reattach the torn tendon to the bone..
• Open Repair: In cases of large or complex tears, an open procedure may be necessary to fully repair the rotator cuff.
• Graft or Tendon Transfer: If the tendon is too damaged to be repaired, another tendon or a graft may be used to replace an irreparable rotator cuff tear in order to restore function.
• Shoulder Replacement: In cases of severe damage where a rotator cuff tear is too large to be fixed, a reverse shoulder replacement may be recommended to restore mobility and alleviate pain.
• Recovery: Full recovery after any of these procedures generally takes 4 to 6 months.

Contact Us Today

If you are experiencing shoulder pain or suspect a rotator cuff tear, the team at Fox Valley Orthopedics is here to help. Our orthopedic specialists will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Schedule an appointment online or call 630-584-1400.