Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common in the workplace. To diagnose injuries, physicians may require x-rays, ultrasounds or MRIs.
For mild injuries, you may only need to rest, apply ice and attend physical therapy. However, after more serious injuries, you may require injections or surgery.
Physical therapy and injections
When it comes to pain reduction, some doctors may use steroid injections to eliminate pain. The shots should help you sleep and return to your daily activities. When dealing with injections, be careful not to overuse steroids. Sometimes they contribute to tendon weakening.
Physical therapy, on the other hand, tailors to your injury. Not only do you need it before surgery, but it may be critical to healing post-surgery.
Surgical treatment
The type of surgery your doctor recommends for the rotator cuff depends on the type of injury. There are four main types of surgeries to be aware of.
The first is an arthroscopic tendon repair. Your surgeon uses a tiny camera and other tools to reattach the torn tendon to your bone during this surgery. In open tendon repair, on the other hand, the doctor has to create a large incision to reattach your tendon.
In more severe cases, if your tendon becomes too damaged, the doctors may use a nearby tendon as a replacement to attach to the bone.
The most severe surgery involves replacing your shoulder. You would receive an artificial joint, where the surgeon installs the ball onto the shoulder blade, then the socket into the arm.
Physicians design all treatments to restore strength and flexibility to your shoulder.