If you are experiencing muscle weakness and dull deep pain, it could mean that you have a rotator cuff injury. Rotator cuff muscles are tendons and muscles attaching the shoulder blade to the upper bone of the arm. These muscles and tendons help to lift and rotate the bones in your arm.
Diagnosis
Dr. Kevin Kruse, a Texas rotator cuff repair shoulder surgeon, can diagnose and treat a patient’s injury using various methods. The first step in treating a rotator cuff injury is thoroughly examining your shoulder. Dr. Kruse will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He may also perform a physical examination of your shoulder bones to assess your range of motion, strength, and overall shoulder condition.
Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound may also help diagnose the injury. Once it is diagnosed, Dr. Kruse will work with a patent to develop a treatment plan specifically designed for the needs on the affected shoulder.
Non-surgical Treatments
The most common treatment for a rotator cuff injury is physical therapy. This will help you to regain strength, range of motion in your shoulders, and flexibility. Dr. Kruse will work with patients to develop a personalized therapy program designed to help you recover from your pain as quickly as possible.
Another treatment option is a corticosteroid injection to treat the pain. This is a type of medication that is injected directly into the shoulder joint to help reduce inflammation and shoulder pain. It can be a quick way to alleviate pain, but there are more long-term solutions.
Rotator Cuff Surgery
Suppose a patient has been experiencing symptoms of a rotator cuff injury for six to twelve months and has noticed a significant loss of function and weakness in the shoulder joint and arm bone. In that case, considering rotator cuff repair shoulder surgery may be the answer. Additionally, suppose a patient is an athlete and wishes to return to sports soon. In that case, rotator cuff repair surgery may be necessary to regain the strength and range of motion needed to compete at an athlete’s best.
Furthermore, suppose your rotator cuff tear is more significant than three centimeters, and non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and corticosteroid injections have failed to alleviate your symptoms. In that case, Dr. Kruse may recommend rotator cuff repair surgery as the next step in your treatment plan.
Surgery might not be considered the first option for rotator cuff treatment. Your doctor will likely recommend non-surgical treatment methods as the initial course of action. However, if these methods fail to provide relief, rotator cuff repair surgery by your shoulder surgeon on the upper arm bone may be necessary to alleviate your symptoms and restore function to your shoulder and shoulder joint.
It would be best if you discussed with your shoulder specialist your specific condition and the potential benefits and risks of rotator cuff repair surgery. Then, your surgeon can help you make a decision about the shoulder replacement treatment that best matches your needs.
Suppose your injuries are severe or do not respond to non-surgical treatments. In that case, your Austin rotator cuff surgeon may recommend surgery. Austin rotator cuff tears repair is a common surgical procedure used to repair a torn rotator cuff. This procedure can be done arthroscopically, a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and a small camera to repair the torn rotator cuff. Dr. Kruse will remove damaged tissue and repair torn tendons and muscles.
Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery
It’s important to note that recovery from rotator cuff surgery can take several months. You’ll need to work with your surgeon and a physical therapist to regain your shoulder’s flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
After shoulder surgeries, patients need to go through a rehabilitation period. This will involve working with a physical therapist to help you regain strength, flexibility, and the full range of motion in your shoulders. The physical therapist will also teach you exercises you can do at home to help your shoulder heal properly.
During recovery, you will need to avoid certain activities that may strain your shoulder. You may need to wear a sling to help immobilize the shoulder and protect the repair while the shoulder is healing. You will need to follow your surgeon’s and therapist’s instructions on properly caring for your shoulder and when to return to activities such as work or sports.
It’s important to understand that recovery from rotator cuff surgery can be challenging. However, with proper care and rehabilitation, most people can return to normal activities and significantly improve their shoulder function.
Opting for Surgery
If you are experiencing muscle weakness and dull deep pain, it could mean a rotator cuff shoulder injury. Dr. Kevin Kruse, a preferred Austin rotator cuff specialist, can diagnose and treat your injury through various methods, including physical therapy, corticosteroid injection, and, if necessary, shoulder surgery. Working with the specialist and surgeon is vital to develop a personalized treatment plan to help you recover from your injury as quickly as possible.