Rotator Cuff Tear Specialist

What is a rotator cuff tear?

A rotator cuff tear is an injury to one of the tendons in the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that connects the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade. Your rotator cuff helps you lift and rotate your arm.

With a rotator cuff tear, you have a tendon that’s not fully attached to your upper arm bone. A rotator cuff tear may be a partial tear or a full-thickness tear.

You may develop a rotator cuff tear from an acute injury such as a fall onto the shoulder or because of degenerative changes that occur to the tendons as you get older, making it more susceptible to damage and tearing.

What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?

Rotator cuff tear symptoms vary depending on the cause. With an acute rotator cuff tear, you may experience a snapping sensation during the injury and severe pain.

A degenerative rotator cuff tear may cause nonspecific shoulder pain. With that type of pain, you may feel discomfort while lying down or when lifting or lowering your arm. 

Continuing to use your shoulder when you have a rotator cuff tear may worsen the damage. If you suspect you have a rotator cuff tear or another shoulder injury, schedule an appointment at FXRX Inc. 

How is a rotator cuff tear diagnosed?

Dr. Dewanjee conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you visit with concerns about shoulder pain. He asks detailed questions about the pain, including location, type, and activities that make the pain worse or better.

Dr. Dewanjee examines your shoulder, assessing flexibility, strength, and range of motion. To confirm that you have a rotator cuff tear, he performs imaging tests such as an X-ray or an MRI.

How is a rotator cuff tear treated? 

Dr. Dewanjee customizes your rotator cuff tear treatment plan based on the severity of your tear and symptoms, your usual activities, and your medical history. Most patients see improvements in their rotator cuff tear with non-surgical treatments such as:

• Activity modification
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections
• Regenerative medicine with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cells

However, when non-surgical treatments fail to ease your shoulder pain or heal your rotator cuff tear, Dr. Dewanjee may recommend shoulder surgery to repair the tear. When performing rotator cuff tear surgery, Dr. Dewanjee uses minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy tools and techniques.

Call FXRX Inc. or schedule a consultation online today for help with a rotator cuff tear.