Shoulder pain is common in patients 50 years and older. A simple fall, dislocation, or pain after lifting a heavy object can lead to a rotator cuff injury. A patient can usually remember a specific event that led to a pop in the shoulder.  Probably followed with the sudden onset of pain and the inability to overhead lift. The progression can also be from on-going repetitious activities.

The rotator cuff consists of 4 muscles which act to help keep the shoulder reduced in its joint.

Typical symptoms of rotator cuff injuries include night pain when rolling onto your side.  Symptoms can also include lateral shoulder pain under your deltoid.  As well as a deep ache like a muscle strain, and pain with lifting your arm overhead.  These can lead to back and neck pain as well. There is typically no radiating pain from your neck to your fingers.  No feelings like a lightning strike or numbness/tingling in the hand.  This is associated with cervical spine disorders.

Diagnosis: Imaging includes radiographs to evaluate for possible arthritis.  Sometimes an MRI to further assess soft tissue structures to include the rotator cuff can be administered.

Care: Conservative care includes rest, a home stretching program, dedicated physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, steroids, and injections. If conservative measures fail or the tear is large, then surgery is considered. Surgical options include rotator cuff repair arthroscopically and open if the tissue is sufficient for repair, superior capsular reconstruction or muscle transfer for younger patients with irreparable tears, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty for older patients with irreparable tears and degenerative arthritis changes.

If you have a rotator cuff tear or shoulder pain please come and see us for an initial evaluation or seek the help of a medical professional for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.