We rarely think about the group of tendons and muscles surrounding our shoulder joints, known as rotator cuffs, until something goes awry. Fortunately, you have a range of options to ease your pain and get your life back to normal.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Robert A. Mileski, MD, understands how rotator cuff tears prevent patients from performing even simple tasks. Learn how he and our stellar team provide a variety of treatments for shoulder pain and more at Phoenix Orthopedic Group in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Your rotator cuff connects your upper arm bone, known as the humerus, to your shoulder blade (scapula). It comes into play whenever you rotate your arm or raise it above your head.
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and the tendons that connect them to your shoulder. These muscles include the:
Dr. Mileski uncovers which muscles and/or tendons are involved to help resolve your problem.
Rotator cuff injuries occur fairly often during sports or simple wear and tear. They may occur suddenly or over time due to degenerative issues.
Common rotator cuff injuries include:
Dr. Mileski discusses your particular issues to identify your best treatment plan.
While rotator cuff injuries can happen to anyone, certain professions, such as construction workers, and sports, including weightlifting, tennis, and baseball, require more overhead arm movements that may lead to problems. Age also plays a factor.
In order to determine the best course of action, Dr. Mileski performs a thorough physical. He may also employ X-rays or other imaging tools to pinpoint the precise areas involved.
While some rotator cuff injuries may heal with rest, heat, and/or ice, others may require:
Physical therapy helps you strengthen your shoulder following a rotator cuff injury to lessen pain and increase mobility. Our team works with you in the office and provides at-home exercises based upon your specific problem.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be even more effective than corticosteroids alone to resolve shoulder pain and improve long term shoulder function. Dr. Milestki uses both to help restore your health.
If nonsurgical measures, such as a temporary arm sling to keep your shoulder stable and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain, don’t work, surgery may be your best option.
Surgical treatments include:
This minimally invasive procedure uses smaller incisions than regular surgery. Dr. Mileski inserts a tiny camera, known as an arthroscope, to locate the source of your injury. He then utilizes miniature surgical instruments to correct the problem.
Larger tears may require open tendon surgery.
Dr. Mileski reroutes one of your healthy tendons to replace a damaged one.
When the cartilage and bone in your shoulder joint become damaged, replacing the area with metal and plastic implants may be your best course of action.
Most people regain shoulder function within four to six months, with full recovery in 12 to 18 months. Dr. Mileski works with you to ensure the best possible outcome.
A range of issues, from sports injuries to degenerative ones, including decreased blood in the area due to aging or bony growths on your shoulder that rub against your tendon when you lift your arm, may cause partial or complete rotator cuff tears.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, a rotator cuff injury, or other orthopedic problem, schedule a consultation online or by phone with Dr. Mileski at Phoenix Orthopedic Group today.
