Rotator Cuff Tears Shoulder & Elbow Pain : Do You Need Surgery?

A rotator cuff tear is a very common cause of shoulder pain and disability among adults. Estimated say each year, almost 56 million people in across the world visit their orthopedic doctors because of a rotator cuff problem. Mike and Dave discuss the latest in the prevention and treatment of torn rotator cuffs.

A torn rotator cuff can weaken your shoulder and limit daily activities, like combing your hair or getting dressed, may become painful and difficult to do.

When one or more of the rotator cuff tendons is torn, the tendon no longer fully attaches to the head of the humerus. In most rotator cuff tears, the tendon is torn away from the bone and tears often take place in the supraspinatus tendon.

If you have a rotator cuff tear and you keep using it despite increasing pain, you may cause further damage. A rotator cuff tear can get larger over time. Chronic shoulder and arm pain are good reasons to see your doctor. Early treatment can prevent your symptoms from getting worse. It will also get you back to your normal routine that much quicker.

There is no evidence of better results from surgery performed near the time of injury versus later on and many doctors first recommend management of rotator cuff tears with physical therapy and other nonsurgical treatments. Non-Surgical treatments however do respond better closer to the time of injury

The goal of any treatment is to reduce pain and restore function. There are several stem cell treatment options for a rotator cuff tear, and the best option is different for every person. In planning your treatment, your doctor will consider your age, activity level, general health, and the type of tear you have. 

Links from the show notes:

1. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/rotator-cuff-tears/
2. https://orthop.washington.edu/patient-care/articles/shoulder/rotator-cuff-tear-when-to-repair-and-when-to-smooth-and-move-the
3. https://stemcellthailand.org/therapies/shoulder-injuries-rotator-cuff-labrum/
4. https://www.uclahealth.org/ortho/shoulder
5. https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/muscles-bones-joints/rotator-cuff-injury