A rotator cuff tear can cause pain and tenderness around the shoulder joint. If you suffer a rotator cuff tear, you can rely on the team of sports medicine specialists at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine, located in Westfield and West Orange, New Jersey. To learn more about the available treatments for a rotator cuff tear, call the office nearest you or book a consultation online today.
For appointments, call us or book online at any of our convenient locations in Middletown, Morristown, Ridgewood, Westfield, and West Orange.
What is the rotator cuff?
Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that give your shoulder support and enable movement. When placed under repetitive strain or subject to traumatic injury, those tendons and muscles can become frayed, torn, or damaged.
A rotator cuff tear can impede normal joint function or cause significant pain. That damage can worsen over time if left untreated.
Will I know it if I have a rotator cuff tear?
Telltale signs of a rotator cuff tear include:
- A dull ache, deep in your shoulder
- Sleep disturbances
- Arm weakness
- Difficulty lifting or raising your arm
If you experience a rotator cuff tear, you might also find it difficult to perform routine tasks like brushing your teeth or combing your hair.
Who is at risk of developing a rotator cuff tear?
Rotator cuff tears affect people of all ages, races, and genders. Several factors may increase your risk, including being 60 or older and having a family history of rotator cuff injuries.
You’re also more likely to experience a rotator cuff tear if you work a physically demanding job that requires frequent arm movements, like construction, painting, or carpentry.
How is a rotator cuff tear diagnosed?
To diagnose a rotator cuff tear, the team at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine reviews your medical history and asks questions about your symptoms and lifestyle.
They then examine your shoulder and move your arm in various positions to determine its strength and range of motion.
Next, the team orders diagnostic imaging like X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI. These screening techniques provide detailed images of the bones, joints, and soft tissues that make up your rotator cuff and shoulder.
How is a rotator cuff tear treated?
Treatment of a rotator cuff tear depends on the severity of the injury and the intensity of your symptoms. The team might recommend:
- Rest, ice, and elevation
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Mesenchymal cells therapy
You might also benefit from Tenjet® tenotomy. Tenjet is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an ultrasound-guided catheter and targeted stream of saline to carefully remove damaged tissue from around your shoulder joint. Tenjet is an outpatient procedure that typically heals within three months.
To learn more about treatment for a rotator cuff tear, request a consultation at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine. Book online to schedule an appointment or call the office nearest you today.
