Every day, millions of people in the United States suffer from rotator cuff injuries. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, rotator cuff tears are one of the most common injuries among adults aged 50 and older. A torn rotator cuff can cause a variety of symptoms including pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. The good news is that a torn rotator cuff does not always require surgery; there are several non-surgical treatment options available. Many of our senior counterparts will seek a rotator cuff tear treatment without surgery due to the costs, risks, and recovery time associated with undergoing surgery.
In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of a torn rotator cuff, whether it can heal on its own, and treatment options for those who don’t want to undergo surgery. As always, if you’re dealing with injuries and you’d prefer to avoid complicated, risky surgeries – then Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center is the one to turn to. Let’s discuss how you may be able to treat your rotator cuff without surgery. First, we’ll discuss what it feels like.
Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff
The most common symptom of a torn rotator cuff is pain in your shoulder or arm during activities such as reaching up or behind your back. Other symptoms include weakness in your shoulder or arm muscles, decreased range of motion, and swelling around the shoulder joint. If you experience any of these symptoms after an injury or activity involving your shoulder, you should see a doctor for further evaluation.
Can a Rotator Cuff Heal Without Surgery?
It is possible for a torn rotator cuff to heal without surgery in some cases. However, this depends on the severity and location of the tear as well as how active you are in treating it with physical therapy and other treatments. In general, smaller tears may be able to heal without surgery if they receive proper treatment and rest. Larger tears may require surgical repair in order to properly heal.
Treatments for a Torn Rotator Cuff Without Surgery in Delaware
If you have been diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff but do not want to pursue surgical repair, there are several non-surgical treatments available that can help reduce pain and improve range of motion. These treatments include physical therapy exercises designed to strengthen surrounding muscles and tendons; regenerative medicine such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections; anti-inflammatory medications; steroid injections; acupuncture; bracing; and cold laser therapy. Each treatment option has its own set of risks and benefits which should be discussed with your healthcare provider before beginning any type of treatment plan.
At Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center, we start treatment for a torn rotator cuff without surgery by first assessing the patient’s injury. Then, we’ll determine the extent of the damage, and put together a program that focuses on helping the tissues heal and then strengthening them. Many of our patients will do very well with a mix of physical therapy and regenerative medicine. While our regenerative treatments encourage healing and help to reduce inflammation, our physical therapy sessions help the patient with flexibility and strength – which is often lost after a serious injury to the rotator.
Prehabilitation/Preventing Injury
In addition to traditional treatments for a torn rotator cuff, there are also steps that can be taken to prevent injury from occurring in the first place. This includes engaging in regular physical activity such as swimming or strength training exercises that target the muscles around the shoulder joint; avoiding activities that require repetitive overhead motions such as tennis or weight lifting; stretching regularly; using proper form when performing activities involving shoulders such as carrying heavy objects; wearing protective gear when engaging in contact sports or activities requiring repetitive motions with heavy weights; taking breaks between sets when lifting weights at the gym, and being mindful about posture when sitting at work or during other daily tasks.
Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center May Be Able to Help You Heal Your Rotator Cuff Without Surgery in Delaware
Come See Us Today!
All in all, rotator cuff injuries are extremely common—but they don’t have to lead to surgery if you take preventive measures ahead of time! By understanding what causes these types of injuries, how they’re treated without surgery, and how you can prevent them from happening altogether, you can keep yourself healthy while avoiding unnecessary medical procedures down the road! Whether you’re currently suffering from a tear or looking for ways to avoid one altogether, the professionals at CAIC are here to help you get started on the road to recovery.
