A rotator cuff tear is an injury to the muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder ball-and-socket joint in place. It often occurs because of overuse or wear-and-tear among those who play baseball, tennis, or similar sports as well as those who use repetitive motions at work. If you have a torn rotator cuff, you may experience pain, weakness, difficulty moving the affected arm, and a clicking or popping sound with movement of the joint. Treatment options for this injury depend on its severity as well as on your general health and activity level.
Traditional Treatments
In many cases, resting the affected shoulder after a rotator cuff tear allows it to heal independently. A doctor may provide a sling to hold the joint in place as the tendons recover. During the healing period, you should avoid activities that cause arm and shoulder pain.
The pain associated with a rotator cuff tear can often be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. However, these can really only go to far, and they mainly just mask the issue. Exercises that strengthen the shoulder muscles can sometimes help a rotator cuff tear heal without further treatment. However, this oftentimes does not effectively treat the condition.
A rotator cuff tear may require surgery if it is a complete tear, if the tendon is removed from the bone, or if it does not respond to more conservative treatments. However, we’ve seen great results using PRP therapy and stem cell therapy at our office in conjunction with other treatments.
Contact Us Today
Talk with someone on our team at Phoenix Regenerative Medicine in Phoenix if you’re experiencing arm or shoulder pain that interferes with your daily activities. We can help you determine if your rotator cuff tear can benefit from PRP therapy and/or stem cell therapy. Contact us today for a consultation.
