Rotator Cuff Surgery – Recommended as a Final Treatment Option
Rotator Cuff injuries or conditions are often treatable with simple conservative measures, such as rest, or stretching and strengthening exercises. However, should these fails, surgery may be recommended as a final treatment option.
The causes of rotator cuff injuries?
A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that are located in your shoulder. Its main purpose is to help you lift your arm and rotate it as well. It is also supposed to help you maintain the shoulder joint in the right place. However, these tendons and muscles may be injured and their function can be disrupted.
The tendons and muscles that comprise the Rotator Cuff may become impinged by neighboring bones, for instance as a result of a fall. Wear and tear from excessive use can also cause similar injuries and loss of function. These kinds of conditions can be very painful and impact on the quality and impact of daily living.
How can it be treated?
It is not impossible to treat such a problem at home, although it advisable to seek a specialist opinion before starting home treatments. Simple measures that can be taken in the first instance include:
- Rest the area
- Apply ice periodically, to help with swelling, inflammation, and pain
- Over-the-counter pain medications may be recommended to help control the pain and improve swelling
Physiotherapy is often recommended to help with the return to activity and to improve movement habits if these are the cause of the condition.
When do you need surgery?
If simple measures like the above do not sufficiently resolve the condition, then surgery may be advised.
There are certain cases where you would definitely need surgery. If your injury has not improved even after 6 months or a full year you would need surgery. The same is also applicable when you have lost significant strength in the area and are finding it painful to move the joint in question. If you have torn the tendon you would likely require surgery. If you are in a profession where you need your shoulder to be strong, surgery will likely be recommended.
What is kind of surgery that you need?
There is a range of procedure types that can be used to treat Rotator Cuff issues. The most appropriate form of surgery will be determined by the kind of condition that you have, how severe it is, as well as a number of other factors. Depending on the type of procedure it may be possible to perform in an outpatient setting, or it may require an overnight stay at the hospital. Your Doctor will be able to advise on what is best, taking the whole picture into account.
