The shoulder is a very flexible joint, which helps you move your arm in many different ways. But this flexibility also makes it easy to injure, especially the rotator cuff. This group of muscles and tendons helps your shoulder move and stay stable. If you have been feeling pain or weakness, or have trouble moving your arm, it might be a rotator cuff injury.
Orthopedic clinics are experts at finding and treating these injuries. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and get you on the road to recovery.
How Orthopedic Clinics Diagnose Rotator Cuff Injuries
A proper diagnosis is the first step in addressing any injury. Orthopedic specialists use a multistep process to understand the extent of a rotator cuff injury.
1. Patient History and Symptom Discussion
The diagnostic process starts with a detailed discussion about your symptoms and medical history.
Patients are often asked questions such as:
- Are you experiencing consistent shoulder pain or does it vary?
- Did the injury follow an activity, such as lifting or sports?
- Are there specific activities that aggravate the pain?
This conversation helps the specialist narrow down possible causes. It will also help them see whether the pain is related to motion or due to other factors like inflammation.
2. Physical Examination
When checking your shoulder, the orthopedic specialist will first look at how well it moves and how strong it is.
They will also check for any swelling, tenderness, or anything unusual in how it looks. To better understand if you have a rotator cuff injury, the doctor might do these simple tests:
- The Drop Arm Test helps check if your rotator cuff muscles are weak.
- The Neer’s Impingement Test checks for pain caused by tight spaces in the shoulder joint.
- The Hawkins-Kennedy Test looks for signs of impingement in your rotator cuff.
3. Imaging Tests
Sometimes, a physical exam is not enough to fully understand what is going on inside your shoulder. Imaging tests help doctors get a clearer picture.
X-rays show the bones in your shoulder and can rule out problems like fractures. However, they do not show soft tissues like muscles or tendons.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is very accurate at looking at tendons. It can find small tears or inflammation in the shoulder, which helps with diagnosing rotator cuff injuries.
Ultrasound is also a quick and affordable way to see injuries in soft tissues.
These tests help confirm what is wrong and how serious an injury is. With this information, your specialist can create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
How an Orthopedic Clinic Treats Rotator Cuff Injuries
Treatment approaches for rotator cuff injuries can vary. It will depend on their severity and your lifestyle requirements.
Both non-surgical and surgical options may be used to restore shoulder function.
1. Conservative Treatments
For minor injuries, non-surgical or conservative treatments are often effective. The best orthopedic clinic can give tips to avoid further injury while still keeping your shoulder strong.
These methods aim to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore function over time without invasive procedures.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a key part of treating shoulder injuries without surgery. A physical therapist will help you with exercises that make your shoulder stronger and more flexible.
These exercises often include gentle stretches and resistance training. They also incorporate movements designed to improve how your shoulder works.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Medications like ibuprofen, called NSAIDs, can help reduce pain and swelling in your shoulder. Doctors might recommend these for short-term relief while you focus on other treatments.
Steroid Injections
If you are dealing with moderate pain, your bone doctor may suggest a steroid injection. This can lower inflammation and provide temporary relief.
Rest and Activity Changes
Sometimes, just resting your shoulder and changing activities that put strain on it can help with healing.
2. Surgical Treatments
When tears are severe or conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary. Orthopedic surgeons employ advanced techniques to repair the rotator cuff and restore shoulder function.
Arthroscopic Surgery
One of the most common methods for treating rotator cuff tears is arthroscopic surgery.
This minimally invasive technique uses small incisions and a camera. These tools will guide the surgeon in repairing the torn tendons.
Recovery tends to be quicker compared to open surgery.
Open Surgery
For larger or more complex injuries, open surgery might be required. This approach involves a larger incision to access and repair the damaged rotator cuff directly.
Tendon Transfer Surgery
When the rotator cuff is too damaged to repair, the surgeon may perform a tendon transfer. This procedure uses a nearby healthy tendon to replace the function of the torn rotator cuff.
3. Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
Recovery does not end after shoulder surgery. Rehabilitation is an important part of getting your strength and movement back.
Orthopedic clinics work closely with physical therapists to guide you through this process.
You will follow a step-by-step program. It starts with gentle movements to improve mobility and later moves on to exercises that build strength.
This process can take a few months. However, it is a big part of making sure your shoulder heals well and works properly in the long run.
Reliable Orthopedic Clinic Near Me in San Antonio, TX
Addressing rotator cuff injuries starts with a proper diagnosis and ends with tailored treatment. The Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine specializes in this recovery process. We can help you regain shoulder mobility and a pain-free lifestyle.
Are you experiencing shoulder pain or believe you may have a rotator cuff injury? Do not wait to take action. Our team is ready to provide the care you need. Call (210) 692-7400, or schedule a consultation today.
The best orthopedic clinic in San Antonio, TX, looks forward to serving you!
