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Metro Pain Centers provides treatment and pain relief for patients trying to manage short-term and chronic conditions. Your rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that stabilize shoulder movement. As a result, accidents or overuse can lead to injuries such as a cuff tear or strain. While some cases of rotator cuff damage can be treated, others may experience chronic pain during treatment or when the triggers cause pain on a rotator cuff muscle, which can affect patients’ way of life. With Metro Pain Centers, you can minimize the pain and its effects on the quality of your life.
You move your shoulders many times per day, and the stable movement is thanks to your rotator cuffs. But injury and overuse can cause strains, tears, and tendinitis. For less acute cases, the treatment may have discomfort until your shoulder muscles are fully rehabilitated. But for those with more severe cases, it may involve surgical procedures and chronic pain. At Metro Pain Centers, our teams can help all cases of rotator cuff injuries and help patients mitigate the pain and improve their quality of life.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain and difficulty in shoulder movement to the point that it affects your daily routine, contact us for a consultation. Our team of rotator cuff injury specialists, pain experts, and other professional staff are fully-equipped to provide a customized treatment plan that can manage the effects and help you adapt to live your best life.
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder. This is responsible for holding the ball-and-socket joint of your upper arm bone and shoulder that allows you to move your arms with regular mobility. With regular wear, it’s normal for people to have injuries on their tendon or muscle that can cause pain. But if you get into an accident, are an athlete, or have jobs that require more frequent shoulder movement (like painters, carpenters, and other occupations that require manual labor), you may experience rotator cuff injuries.
For some patients, rotator cuff injuries are a partial tear that can be treated with physical therapy and other non-invasive treatments. This can allow them to manage their symptoms and return to their regular activities. But for others, rotator cuff surgery from an orthopedic surgeon may be necessary as the rotator cuff is completely torn or worn out from degenerative tear. During treatment for either, there may be chronic pain and some level of discomfort. And even after treatment or rotator cuff surgery, it’s possible for chronic pain to return. This is why patients with rotator cuff injuries can benefit from a pain treatment plan from Metro Pain Centers.
Rotator cuff injuries can either be acute or chronic. Acute injury happens during a one-time accident that triggers irritation or pain. Chronic injuries are caused by prolonged overuse of your rotator cuff, which causes the tendons to strain or tear.
Not all rotator cuff injuries are instant; some are the result of degenerative rotator cuffs that slowly wear until you experience pain. Some symptoms patients with rotator cuff injuries have include:
See a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for longer than a week or you lose function in your arm. Your doctor may test your range of motion and have you undergo laboratory tests like an x-ray, MRI, or ultrasound.
Treatment can range depending on the severity of your condition. The most minor cases can be treated with resting your arm and taking over-the-counter pain relievers, while those with completely torn tendons may need rotator cuff surgery. However, around 80 percent of patients experience rotator cuff repair without the need for orthopedic surgery.
At Metro Pain Centers, we can customize a treatment plan for your condition. We use a number of multi-disciplinary treatments, including:
Even the smallest rotator cuff tear can develop into more serious complications, to the point where you may be unable to move your arm. You may also experience debilitating chronic pain from a torn rotator cuff to the point that it can affect the quality of your life. And even if you do seek non-surgical or surgical treatment for your affected shoulder, certain practices may trigger chronic pain on your shoulder area. This means relearning shoulder movement to prevent potential triggers.
Metro Pain Centers provide qualified and experienced specialists for managing rotator cuff injuries. Overcoming an injured rotator cuff involves more than just pain medication and surgery; there’s also understanding your injury, preventing pain triggers, and using the latest technology and science-based practices that can help you thrive in spite of your condition.
Many of our patients that incur rotator cuff injuries go on to lead fulfilling lives. Through their customized treatment plans, they’re able to adapt to their condition while still performing at their best. With the right treatment plan, you too can go back to your old hobbies and interests or find new ones to focus on.
A: Acute injuries are caused by one-time incidents, such as taking a blow to the shoulder or improperly lifting a heavy object. However, those more likely to sustain degenerative injuries are those who expose their rotator cuffs to long-term overuse. This includes athletes, people whose occupations involve manual labor, and people over 40 years old with active lifestyles.
A: If you’re an athlete or your occupation puts you at risk, remember to rest your shoulders. Warm-ups and stretches can promote a wider range of motion during strenuous activities. For acute rotator cuff injuries, practicing proper lifting and avoiding accidents that can cause shoulder injuries can help prevent the risk of rotator cuff injury.
A: Patients that do not need surgery focus on improving their shoulder condition and managing the pain. Regular shoulder function can return, but some may experience chronic pain when they exert effort on their shoulder. Those that need surgical procedures may not regain normal shoulder function until their injury is operated.
Shoulder movement is a common part of everyday movement, and chronic pain caused by rotator cuff injuries can affect your lifestyle. At Metro Pain Centers, we have the doctors, pain specialists, and a team of experienced medical professionals to provide you with all the outlets you need to improve your condition. We can help you relieve pain, improve your movement, and adjust your shoulder movement to excel in spite of your condition.
Talk to us about an individualized treatment plan that works for you. Contact Metro Pain Centers today to request an appointment with one of our rotator cuff doctors.
