If You Have a Rotator Cuff Tear, Here Are the Signs and Symptoms You Might Experience

Rotator cuff tears are common, especially in people between the ages of 50 and 70. In fact, about 8 out of every 1,000 Americans over the age of 45 have a torn rotator cuff in one or both shoulders, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Tears usually develop as a result of aging and activities that require repeated motion, such as golfing, throwing a baseball, or swimming. The good news is that you can treat your tear in many cases with nonsurgical methods or small surgical procedures.

What Is A Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear is a tear in one of your rotator cuffs. It can happen as a result of an injury or as part of the natural aging process.

 The major function of your rotator cuff is to stabilize your shoulder so that it can perform various movements without pain. This includes lifting, pushing away from you, pulling towards you or rotating your arm at the shoulder joint.

 A rotation cuff tear can occur when something pulls on the tendon that attaches to one of these muscles. Tears are graded on severity: first degree (mild) through fourth degree (severe). 

The signs and symptoms vary depending on which muscle has been torn and how severe it is.

What Are The Common Signs and Symptoms Of A Torn Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff is made up of group of  muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint in proper position. When one or more of these muscles becomes damaged or torn, it can cause problems with the shoulder joint. 

Common signs and symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include pain when raising your arm to head level or higher; weakness in rotating your arm outwards; pain when lifting heavy objects; and difficulty sleeping on your side due to shoulder pain.

How Can I Prevent This Injury?

When you have a rotator cuff tear, it is important to know that there are things you can do to manage the pain. 

One thing you can do is ice the area as soon as possible. This will reduce inflammation. 

You can also take ibuprofen or naproxen sodium tablets to help with pain relief. 

If you have an ice pack that stays cold for many hours, it would be better than using one that melts after 20 minutes of use.

How Is The Injury Treated?

The main treatment for rotator cuff tears is surgery. The type of surgery that you have will depend on the severity of your tear. Recovery time can vary from person to person but typically ranges from four to eight months. Your doctor will be able to provide you with more details specific to your injury. 

Surgery will most likely require an incision at the back of the shoulder which goes deep into the joint. It may also require removal of a portion of the tendon or muscle if they are too damaged. Most patients go home after one night in hospital. 

Rehabilitation following surgery varies depending on how much function has been restored before going under general anesthesia and how many joints are repaired during the operation

5 Ways To Speed Up Recovery From A Torn Rotator Cuff

The following are five tips to speed up recovery from a torn rotator cuff: 

- Make sure that your back is in correct position. 

- Use ice  to decrease  pain and swelling. 

- Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. 

- Do light exercise if it's safe for you, such as using stationary bikes or elliptical machines at low intensity. 

- Seek medical attention so that surgery may be avoided if possible.