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Rotator Cuff Surgery, Symptoms and Recovery

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prasanthvs
Rotator Cuff Surgery, Symptoms and Recovery

The rotator cuff is a term that is used to describe a group of four tendons that attach four shoulder muscles to the upper arms.  When a shoulder is healthy, it is the most versatile joint in the body of a human, and it has a wide range of movement.   Since the shoulder socket is so shallow, the shoulder is the major joint in the human body that is the most frequently dislocated.  A lot of shoulder problems are actually the result of injuries to the rotator cuff.  If it becomes partially torn or inflamed, it will cause pain and limit your ability to move your shoulder.  If it tears all the way, the muscle can no longer affect any movement in the arm.  This causes major limitations in your ability to move your shoulder due to a result of pain and weakness.  Rotator cuff tears are a problem, particularly in people over age 40.  In fact, shoulder problems cause around 1.5 million visits to orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. each year. 


Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tear

  

There are particular symptoms to be aware of with rotator cuff problems.  First, most people with these types of injuries feel weakness or pain in the damaged shoulder.  When the rotator cuff is torn completely, the pain is likely constant, and you will not be able to lift your arm on one side of your body.  If you have a rotator cuff injury, you also may find that you have trouble sleeping, because being in specific positions puts pressure on the shoulder, causing excruciating pain. 


Nonsurgical Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tear   


If you do have a rotator cuff injury, the doctor may recommend surgery.  We will explore that issue in a moment, but before that, let's look at some other nonsurgical treatments.  Resting is the first step to treating a rotator cuff problem.  Ice is also important for the first twenty-four hours after the injury.  A heating pad can be used after the first 24 hours have passed in order to help the rotator cuff to heal.  Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin can also help reduce the pain and swelling of your rotator cuff injury.  Sometimes physical therapy and exercise are prescribed in order to stretch and strengthen the shoulder muscles.  It is usually best to start physical therapy as quickly after the injury as possible.  You should avoid lifting any heavyweights overhead.  You also should avoid throwing anything, like a baseball or football.  Your doctor for Rotator cuff surgery in Coimbatore may also want to begin steroid treatment.  This can help to reduce the inflammation in the shoulder.  These steroids can be taken orally, but for this particular problem, it is probably best to inject them right into the affected area. 



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