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Rotator Cuff Specialist

Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson -  - Orthopedic Surgery, Arthroscopy, & Sports Medicine

Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson

Orthopedic Surgery, Arthroscopy, & Sports Medicine located in Henderson, NV

Rotator cuff injuries often develop gradually. The slow onset of symptoms makes the problem easy to ignore, but the injury only gets worse if you keep using your shoulder. The team at the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson starts your treatment conservatively. But when you need surgery, you can depend on their extensive experience and skill performing minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. If you have shoulder pain, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Call the office in Henderson, Nevada, today or use the online booking feature.

Rotator Cuff Q & A

What causes rotator cuff injuries?

Four muscles and the tendons that connect them to your shoulder make up your rotator cuff. The rotator cuff holds your arm in the shoulder joint and allows the arm’s full range of motion.

Rotator cuff muscles are normally in constant motion. The stress only increases if you participate in sports or work activities that involve repetitive overhead movements, like pitching, tennis, and painting.

As a result, tendon tears, ligament strains, and inflammatory conditions like tendinitis often develop from daily wear-and-tear. You can also suffer a sudden injury from falling or lifting heavy objects.

What symptoms develop due to rotator cuff injuries?

A torn rotator cuff typically leads to symptoms like: 

  • Shoulder and arm pain
  • Pain when lifting and lowering your arm
  • Pain while resting
  • Difficulty using your arm
  • Shoulder weakness
  • Crackling sensations when moving your shoulder

Though these symptoms often develop gradually, a sudden injury causes immediate pain.

How are rotator cuff injuries treated?

After reviewing your medical history and symptoms and examining your shoulder, your Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson provider will need X-rays or an MRI to diagnose the underlying problem.

Your provider develops a customized treatment plan based on the type of injury and your activity level, age, and general health. Your treatment will include one or more of the following:

  • Rest or immobilization with a sling
  • Limiting overhead activities
  • Avoiding all activities that cause pain
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy to restore strength and movement
  • Steroid injections
  • Stem cell therapy

Your provider could recommend surgery if your symptoms don’t improve or you have a large tear. You might also need surgical repair if you need to return to sports or work that requires overhead motions.

Rotator cuff surgery typically involves trimming the soft tissues, removing damaged tissues, and reattaching a tendon to the bone. Whenever possible, the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson repairs rotator cuffs using minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.

Arthroscopic surgery offers several advantages. For starters, it’s an outpatient treatment, so you can go home the same day. Also, minimally invasive procedures use small incisions that cause less pain and heal faster.

If you develop shoulder pain or limited arm movement, don’t wait to schedule an exam at the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson. Call the office or use the online booking feature today.