If you are an athlete, you’ve likely experienced falls and minor injuries, nothing serious. If you play or practice sports, this is just part of the deal. But sooner or later, you will probably get hurt. Whether it’s an acute or degenerative tear, the joints are often the ones that suffer damage. If you’ve been dealing with joint pain here in Bellaire, Texas, Dr. Erick Berkman can help you. Today, we break down what a rotator cuff tear doctor needs to consider before deciding if surgery is necessary for proper treatment.
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How Do Rotator Cuff Tears Happen?
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, allowing you a wide range of movement. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles around the shoulder joint that work together to keep the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. Thanks to it, we can lift and rotate our arms. A rotator cuff tear can occur in two ways.
- Acute Tear: This occurs due to a sudden injury, such as falling on your outstretched arm or lifting something heavy, which can cause a tear.
- Degenerative Tear: This tear develops gradually over time. The tendons of the rotator cuff wear down slowly as you age. Repetitive arm movements, particularly overhead activities, can accelerate this process.
How Your Rotator Cuff Tear Doctor Makes a Diagnosis?
Shoulder pain due to a rotator cuff tear can cause discomfort when resting or at night, especially if lying on the affected shoulder. You may also feel pain when moving your arm or doing specific actions. Weakness in lifting or rotating your arm, along with a crackling feeling when moving it in particular ways, are also common symptoms.
Nonetheless, A clear diagnosis confirmed by a specialist is needed to ensure that you get the proper treatment, whether it’s rest, physical therapy, medication, or surgery. Early diagnosis also means preventing additional damage and promoting faster recovery.
Dr. Berkman will study your medical history, make a physical examination, and may recommend imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI to confirm the state of your shoulder joint. After that process, he will give you the diagnosis and inform you if surgery is needed.
Does a Rotator Cuff Tear Require Surgery?
The treatment for a rotator cuff tear can vary depending on the severity of the tear and your lifestyle. Dr. Erick Berkman will always let the surgical option be the last one, reserved for those joints that have suffered significant damage. So most minor injuries will be treated with non-surgical measures. Regardless of the severity of the damage, we have the following options for treatment in Bellaire, Texas:
Non-Surgical Treatments in Bellaire, Texas
Your rotator cuff tear doctor might first suggest non-surgical treatments, especially if the tear is small:
Rest and Ice
Just like taking a break when you’re tired, giving your shoulder a rest can help it heal. Using ice on it is also great for reducing swelling and pain, especially soon after the injury happens.
Physical Therapy
You might be referred to a physical therapist, who can teach you exercises to make the muscles around your shoulder stronger, more flexible, and less painful.
Medications
Medication can be recommended to help ease the pain and reduce inflammation caused by your warm, swollen, and painful shoulder.
Surgical Treatments in Bellaire, Texas
If the tear is severe or if non-surgical treatments aren’t enough to bring relief, surgery might be recommended by your rotator cuff tear doctor. Dr. Berkman may consider an arthroscopic repair in some cases; nonetheless, for larger or more complex tears, he might need to make a larger incision to repair the tendon. This traditional approach gives him a direct view and more room to work.
How Would Your Rotator Cuff Tear Recovery Be After Surgery?
For those undergoing surgical repair, the recovery process is more structured and typically begins with the shoulder immobilized in a sling for a few weeks to protect the repaired tendon. You’ll be given instructions on pain management, which may include medication and ice packs, and you’ll begin physical therapy when it’s safe to do so.
Physical activity and lifting are restricted during this period to allow the tissue to heal correctly. Most patients can expect a steady return to daily activities and, in many cases, sports, although full healing and optimal shoulder function can take six months to a year. Regular follow-ups and commitment to the rehab process help ensure the best possible outcome.
Get in Touch with Your Rotator Cuff Tear Specialist, Dr. Erick Berkman.
A rotator cuff repair can be life-changing for individuals suffering from chronic shoulder pain due to a tear. If you’re considering surgery, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Eric Berkman, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in rotator cuff procedures. With a thorough assessment and appropriate imaging studies, we can determine the extent of your shoulder injury and recommend the best treatment method based on your unique situation.
If you have any questions or concerns, schedule an appointment with our Rotator Cuff Tear Doctor, Dr. Eric Berkman, MD, through this link.
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