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Rotator Cuff Injuries

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Rotator Cuff Injuries | AICA OrthopedicsShoulder pain is a common ailment among Americans, with some needing the care of a doctor, and others being able to treat it on their own at home.

Those who require care from doctors may suffer from a torn rotator cuff, which may ultimately need surgery. If you have experienced a torn rotator cuff, the Atlanta shoulder surgeons at AICA Orthopedics are highly skilled at diagnosing and treating this type of injury.

What Causes A Rotator Cuff Tear?

Those most commonly affected by this type of injury are athletes, in particular, baseball pitchers due to the repetitive nature in which their arm endures. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of the four muscles that form tendons around the shoulder joint becomes torn. Some cracks in the tendons are partial, whereas some are complete tears. Not all injuries are sports-related, but most tears are caused by repetitive motion or overuse of the shoulder.

As people age, rotator cuff tear injury becomes more common as wear and tear have occurred on the shoulder. After age 40, people are at an increased risk for this type of injury.

Symptoms

Rotator cuff tear symptoms include the following:

  • Upon injury, pain is immediately present. Patients are often able to report exactly when the tear had occurred as a sharp pain occurs in the shoulder. An acute tear could be caused by lifting heavy objects or a fall.
  • In some cases, if a rotator cuff tear is caused by overusing the shoulder, a dull aching pain may be present. This pain may be consistent, which could be a sign of a tear.
  • Regardless of whether the pain you feel is a dull ache or a sharp pain, if you lay down and experience some level of pain on the affected shoulder, you may have experienced a tear. Falling asleep may prove troublesome as the pain and discomfort make laying down difficult.
  • Limited range of motion is also another telltale sign of a torn rotator cuff as the muscles and tendons in the shoulder play a vital role in how you move your arm and shoulder. Lifting your arm over your head can prove to be difficult, and in this case, seeking medical attention may be necessary.

Is Surgery Needed?

Oftentimes, when someone hears of a tear, they immediately think that surgery must be the only way to correct the damage done. However, our shoulder surgeons believe in trying conservative methods first before deciding a surgical route. Anti-inflammatories may be prescribed as well as physical therapy and even cortisone injections, and if that course of action proves unsuccessful, then our surgeons will discuss other options.

If a tear is severe, surgery may be suggested right away as conservative approaches would only provide temporary relief. Increased pain and weakness in the shoulder could also occur if the tear is not addressed properly.

If you suspect that you have sustained a rotator cuff tear, contact our Atlanta orthopedic doctors today for a consultation by dialing (404) 855-2141.

Reviews

6,389 Reviews from our Amazing patients

I’ve had a wonderful experience at AICA. The customer service is fantastic. The doctors and office staff were very caring and understanding of my situation. I’d highly recommend them to anyone!
Jordan C.
Jonesboro, GA
Thank you so much for the assistance! My back has never felt better, if you're ever in an accident and need healing this is the place to go!
Ryan M.
Jonesboro, GA
Love the atmosphere. Very relaxing. Everyone there gets 5 stars as far as I'm concerned. Excellent facility. Would definitely recommend.
Cassandra A.
Jonesboro, GA
Yesterday was my last day at AICA College Park since my accident in December, there is so much to say about the people who work here and the level of customer service, care, attention, friendliness, and overall amazing atmosphere that they provide. Location is perfect in College Park, right off the highway and in a small plaza with plenty of parking. The entire staff, from the front desk girls, to the physical therapy girls, to the chiros, and the medical team are AMAZING! I feel like I just lost my friends not being able to visit them twice a week every week. I will definitely miss coming here. All the smiles and warm welcomes received. The physical therapy - asking about my day, if everything is okay and helping my back and neck get better. I had the pleasure of having Dr. Hector as my chiropractor, he is awesome, was very helpful in the healing process and also a native Spanish speaker which is a plus for those of us who do speak Spanish. Before coming to AICA, I tried another injury clinic in ATL and walked out after 5 mins - so impersonal and cold. I am so glad that I found AICA in College Park. Trust me, if you are injured and need some healing and TLC you NEED to come to this clinic! Highly recommend to everyone. Thank you again to the guys and girls at AICA - xo Ms. Colon
Francheska Colon
College Park, GA
WOW, THIS IS AN AMAZING PLACE OF BUSINESS FROM THE RECEPTION DESK TO THE DOCTORS OFFICE AND TREATMENT ROOM. I RECEIVED THE BEST CARE AND INFORMATION CONCERNING MY INJURIES. EXCELLENT SERVICE. I WILL BE BACK. I RECOMMEND THIS BUSINESS.
Sherille Gayle
College Park, GA
The ladies at Aica are very helpful and nice, I really enjoyed my visits to the office personally I’m going to refer friends in the near future.
Marco Starr
College Park, GA
Great service and treatment.
Chicolla Berry
College Park, GA
Very professional group and excellent teamwork
Earnestine Moss
Lawrenceville, GA