ROTATOR CUFF TEARS

Rotator cuff injuries are common in people who play sports or have occupations that require repeat overhead motions. The orthopedic team at Southern Orthopedics and Sports Medicine can treat your rotator cuff injury in Mount Pleasant or Charleston, South Carolina so that you can resume your normal activities without pain!

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint that keeps the head of the upper arm bone in the socket of the shoulder. Injuries to the rotator cuff are common, and increase with age, though they may occur earlier in people who participate in activities that involve a lot of use of this area. Rotator cuff tears can also happen as a result of a single injury.

Individuals who experience a rotator cuff injury may have a dull ache in the shoulder that disturbs their sleep or makes it difficult to brush their hair or reach behind their back, arm weakness, pain that radiates to the elbow, or pain that worsens with reaching motions, especially overhead. Chronic symptoms can also include muscle weakness, joint noise in the shoulder, and the inability to move the arm fully, especially forward or sideways from the body.

Treatment for a rotator cuff injury will vary based on the severity of the injury. This may include medication for pain relief, a sling to help rest the shoulder, or exercises to increase strength and improve range of motion. Surgery may also be recommended, especially for younger or more active patients or in injuries where the tear is complete.

Count on the sports medicine surgeons and physician assistants at Southern Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for treatment of your rotator cuff tear in Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Call us today at (843) 936-0715 to schedule a consultation with our skilled team.