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The shoulder has the most mobility of any joint in the body. Even small injuries can result in significant loss of use of the shoulder. One of the most common injuries to the shoulder is the Rotator Cuff. The Rotator Cuff consists of 4 separate muscles and can be injured by overuse, repetitive smaller injuries, or a single larger injury. Most injuries will result in either weakness, stiffness, or instability of the joint. Because of the significant number of muscles around the joint, rehabilitation plays an extremely important role in getting back in the game. When surgery is needed to heal injury, minimally invasive techniques are utilized to reduce the length of disability and allow a faster return to activities.

AC Joint Injury (the separated shoulder)

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the meeting point of the acromion and clavicle bones in the shoulder area, often indicated with a visible bump in the area. AC joint injuries often occur as a result of a fall or other trauma, which may cause the acromion to move or separate from the clavicle, or cause the ligaments to be stretched or torn.

While conservative treatment is often used first for AC joint injuries, surgery may be required for injuries that are more severe or those that cause prolonged pain.

Labral Tear

A labrum is a protective cuff of cartilage found in ball and socket joints like the hip and shoulder. They provide more stability, cushioning and a full range of motion for these shallow joints. A tear in the labrum, known as a labral tear or Bankart tear, is caused by injury or overuse and can lead to pain and “catching” of the joint while moving. A dislocation of the shoulder is a common cause of labral tears and can result in the shoulder feeling unstable or sliding out of joint.

Treating a Shoulder Dislocation

After a shoulder dislocation, physical therapy is commonly used to help restore motion, reduce pain and regain strength. The labrum has a very poor ability to heal on its own. Labral repair surgery, or Arthroscopic Bankart Repair, aims to repair unstable shoulders with arthroscopic surgery.

What is a rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is the thick band of muscles and tendons that covers the top of the upper arm and holds in its place, providing stability and a full range of motion to the shoulder joint. It is made of four muscles and their associated tendons. These tendons can become partially or completely torn as a result of a rotator cuff tear. A rotator cuff tear most often occurs as a result of overuse of the muscles over a long period of time. As a result, this condition is most common in patients over the age of 40. It may also occur as a result of a traumatic injury, and involves pain when lifting or lowering their arm, muscle weakness, and atrophy.

Rotator Cuff Repair

Many rotator cuff tears can be treated through nonsurgical methods that focus on relieving pain and restoring function to the shoulder. These may include:

  • Rest
  • Use of a sling
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Steroid injections
  • Physical therapy

Surgery may be recommended for tears that cause severe pain or that do not respond to more conservative treatments. The type of surgery performed depends on the size and location of the tear, but often involves trimming torn edges or suturing the tendon back together.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more or to schedule a consultation contact us today at (508) 363-6363. Our practice proudly serves Worcester, MA, and surrounding areas.

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You're Not Too Old to Get Fit!

Getting older comes with a unique set of challenges. Taking extra steps to care for your well-being is crucial to a high quality of life. Many seniors think their physical changes mean they have to stop being active. But, it’s more important than ever to stay in shape as you age.

With adjustments, there are ways for you to take care of your body and feel great.

Benefits of Staying in Shape

Exercise is an essential part of life. But, aging can make exercising a challenge. Staying active helps get the blood flowing through your body and carry oxygen to your organs.

Also, increased blood flow helps endorphins flood your brain. More endorphins help ease tension and stress.  Lowering your stress levels helps your self-esteem as negative emotions have been released.  

Staying active as you age can help you build and maintain your muscle structure. Our muscle tissue decreases as we age, but working out helps slow this down. Another benefit

of working out is it can help lower your blood pressure. Your blood pressure is crucial to your heart function. Staying fit ensures your heart performs at its best.

While you may think that you’re days of working out are over, you have plenty of reasons to keep going.

Exercises You Can Do

While you may not be able to lift 200 pounds over your head anymore, there are plenty of ways to keep your body strong.

As your body changes, you have to adapt how you work out. For example, jogging can be tough on the knees, back, and ankles. Instead, you can opt for low-impact activities like walking, which are easier to do. Low-impact movements put less strain on the joints but still do the job of keeping you moving.

Also, swimming is another way to ease the tension on your joints. The buoyancy of the water counters the effects of gravity on your body. Negating the pull of gravity allows for more range of motion and helps you complete more challenging movements.

Getting Help

Staying active is crucial to your health as you age.

But, it can be overwhelming to find a routine that works for you. But, you don’t have to do it alone. 

Dr. Desio is ready to help you find what works for you. Schedule an appointment in the Worcester office today by calling 508-363-6363.