A rotator cuff tear is one of the injuries caused by overuse, sports, or exercise. If you have this injury, it means you have either a partial or full tear of the tendons and muscles that make up the rotator cuff. This group of soft tissues keep the upper arm in the shoulder socket and stabilize the shoulder joint.
A rotator cuff tear can cause a dull aching in your shoulder and limit your arm movement. A sports medicine doctor can provide expert treatment of a rotator cuff tear, so pain is relieved and range of motion is improved.
Why a Sports Medicine Doctor?
Orthopedic surgeons can undergo additional training in sports medicine, which is the branch of medicine that focuses on the treatment of injuries from physical activity and sports. Since a rotator cuff tear is a type of injury commonly associated with athletics, a doctor with training in sports medicine is most qualified to treat it. Through their specialized training, sports medicine doctors have in-depth knowledge of how injuries occur and can quickly diagnose and treat them.
Additionally, sports medicine doctors believe that most sports injuries can be treated effectively with non-surgical methods. A rotator cuff tear is no different. In most cases, patients can regain full range of motion and function of their shoulder through pain control, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
If shoulder pain and discomfort are limiting you from your daily activities or sport, see a sports medicine doctor. A correct diagnosis is important as a rotator cuff injury shares symptoms with other conditions.
Personalized Injury Prevention
Sports medicine doctors also provide preventive care through patient education. Overuse injuries and sports and exercise injuries can be avoided through a customized exercise program that strengthens the upper body. Learning proper form and technique when carrying out certain motions, such as lifting and overhead motions at work, home, while exercising, and playing sports is also important.
A sports medicine doctor can design a shoulder injury prevention program that contains all critical aspects in preventing another rotator cuff injury. For example, periodic rest is an important part of injury prevention, as repetitive daily activities can cause changes to the rotator cuff.
Surgery
Your doctor may recommend surgery if you still experience symptoms despite non-surgical treatment or rely heavily on your arm and shoulder in your life. Different techniques can be used to repair the rotator cuff tendon and improve shoulder function. Surgery will require an extensive recovery period.
Sports Medicine Doctor in San Antonio, TX
The orthopedic surgeons at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine are trained in sports medicine. Combining extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system with a deep understanding of sports injuries and how to prevent them, we can provide you with the highest quality care. We will get you back to the activities you love in the quickest, safest, and most effective manner.
To schedule an appointment with a sports medicine doctor, call us now at (210) 692-7400 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to helping to say goodbye to shoulder pain.
