Shoulder Pain & The Rotator Cuff

Do you grimace in pain as you raise or lower your arm?  Is your shoulder weak making it difficult to lift or perform overhead movements? Are you wondering why your shoulder cracks and crunches?

While shoulder pain can result from numerous causes, your OrthoOklahoma team often diagnoses rotator cuff tears as the culprit. Your rotator cuff is a network of four muscles and several tendons holding your arm in place and allowing it to rotate. You may be at high risk for a tear if you:

• Are over 40 years old
• Recently experienced an injury
• Engage in activities using overhead motion like tennis, rowing, weightlifting or baseball

Don’t ignore your pain. Delaying treatment of a tear risks further injury. Let your OrthoOklahoma team find the right treatment for your shoulder pain and lifestyle. Depending on the extent of your injury, your treatment plan may include:

• Applying heat or ice
• Rest or limited overhead activity
• Physical therapy with strengthening exercise, available onsite with OrthoOklahoma
• Use of a sling or supportive device
• Steroid injections
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Surgical repair