Rehabilitation for Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is the thick band of muscles and associated tendons that covers the top of the upper arm and holds it in place, providing support and stability to the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff also allows for a full range of motion while keeping the ball of the arm bone in the shoulder socket. These tendons can become partially or completely torn as a result of a rotator cuff tear or injury. A rotator cuff tear can occur as a result of overuse of the muscles over a long period of time with eventual degeneration of the tendon and then tearing. This condition is more common in individuals over the age of 40 as well as in athletes or those who practice repetitive lifting or arm movement in their occupation. A rotator cuff injury may also occur as a result of a traumatic injury such as a fall, or shoulder dislocation.

Treatment may include conservative treatments such as rest, ice, physical therapy, steroid injection, and activity modification, while severe cases may require surgery for repair. The goal of any treatment is to reduce pain, improve function, and restore strength.

Nonsurgical Rehabilitation for Rotator Cuff Injury

In some cases, 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 and physical therapy. Physical therapy exercises focus on improving the strength and control of the rotator cuff muscles and the muscles around the shoulder blade. Treatment may include:

Muscle strengthening exercises
Gradual weight-bearing activities
Range of motion exercises

The physical therapist may also make suggestions and create exercises for improving posture and shoulder alignment.

Rehabilitation After Rotator Cuff Surgery

In most cases, surgery will 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. Physical therapy often begins shortly after surgery to help restore strength and movement and allow patients to gradually resume their regular activities. Initial physical therapy treatments may include ice, electrical stimulation, and massage, to help control pain and swelling. As the healing begins, muscle-strengthening exercises and range of motion exercises may be used to increase movement and mobility.

Rotator cuff repair surgery is usually successful in relieving shoulder pain, although full strength cannot always be restored. It is important for patients to commit to their physical therapy program in order to achieve the most effective surgical results. The size of the tear and quality of the tissue play a large role in the recovery process. Similarly, smoking has been found to have a detrimental effect on the outcome following rotator cuff surgery.

If you are a smoker, resources are available to help you quit:
https://smokefree.gov

Biceps Strain Or Something More?

Pain in your biceps makes it challenging to go about your life. Persistent discomfort can leave you wondering if there is a deeper issue. If you’re wondering if the pain in your biceps is something to worry about, here are a few things to look for as you prepare for a trip to the doctor.

Characteristics of a Bicep Strain

A bicep strain can present itself in several ways, and all may come with varying degrees of pain. Bicep strains typically start in the upper arm, close to the shoulder, and often accompany a popping sound. The pain can be sudden and intense and described as a “burst of pain.”

Other signs of a bicep strain include

Weakness in the shoulder
Inability to rotate the arm
Bruising

Risk Factors for Bicep Strains

Activities or sports with repetitive arm motions, such as baseball, football, or tennis, can increase your risk of straining a bicep.

Poor circulation, previous injuries, and lack of stretching before activities can also put you at risk.

Bicep Strain Treatment and Recovery

After an exam, your doctor can help determine a treatment plan to address your symptoms. Common treatments for bicep strains include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory pain medications, or steroid injections.

Most bicep strain cases resolve after two weeks, and you may be relegated to modified activity levels as you recover.

Is My Bicep Torn?

A bicep tear works slightly differently than a strain as the injury is more severe. A torn bicep can occur from lifting heavy objects, overuse, repetitive motions, or previous injury.

Many patients can recognize a torn bicep from a tearing sensation in the arm at the time of the injury.

Bicep Tear Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor can determine if you have torn your biceps through a physical exam and tests such as an MRI.

Conservative methods, including rest, ice, and physical therapy, can help. Extensive injuries to the bicep may require surgery to correct the issue.

Your recovery depends on your injury’s nature and how well your body responds to treatment methods. If you’ve sustained an injury to your arm, don’t wait. Dr. Desio can help you get back to living your life to the fullest. Call 508-363-6363 to schedule an appointment in the Worcester office.