Rotator Cuff Tear

A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury, affecting up to two million Americans annually. Although painful, non-surgical treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT) can ease discomfort and promote healing. At Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC, which serves the Denver metropolitan area, sports medicine specialist Kevin O’Donnell, DO, and the rest of the team have years of experience treating rotator cuff tears. After an exam and diagnostic imaging, you get personalized treatment recommendations. Call Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC to schedule rotator cuff tear treatment, or book your appointment online today. 

What is a rotator cuff tear?

A rotator cuff tear is an injury to your rotator cuff –– a group of muscles and tendons that help you lift and move your arms and keep your upper arm bone in its socket.

Anyone can experience a rotator cuff tear, but the injury commonly affects throwing athletes, such as quarterbacks and pitchers.

Are there different types of rotator cuff tears?

Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC treats two types of rotator cuff tears:

Partial rotator cuff tears

This injury damages the tendons in your rotator cuff, but they remain somewhat attached to your arm bone. 

Complete rotator cuff tears

A complete tear causes your rotator cuff tendons to separate entirely from the bone. It causes a hole or rip in your tendon and makes daily movements, like combing your hair or lifting your arm above your head excruciating.

Does a rotator cuff tear present symptoms?

Rotator cuff tear symptoms include:

• Shoulder weakness
• Difficulty lifting items
• Shoulder pain that worsens at night or when raising your arm
• Pain and weakness when lowering or rotating your arm

Depending on the severity of the rotator cuff tear, you might also experience popping, crackling, or clicking sounds when you move your arm in certain positions.

How is a rotator cuff tear diagnosed?

Your specialist reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your shoulder joint and the surrounding area. They check your skin for redness and bruising, gently press on your shoulder to identify sensitive spots, and test your range of motion and arm strength.

If an exam doesn’t provide enough information, your specialist orders X-rays, an ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at your shoulder joint and the surrounding tissues.

How is a rotator cuff tear treated?

Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC takes an integrative and minimally invasive approach to treating rotator cuff tears. Your specialist could suggest:

• Radial shockwave therapy (EPAT)
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Prolotherapy
• Joint injections
• Bone and fat stem cell treatment
• Physical therapy
• Immobilization with a sling
• Corticosteroid injections

The type of treatment that’s right for you depends on the severity of your rotator cuff tear and symptoms. It may take some trial and error to find a fit for your needs. Attend each checkup as prescribed and follow recovery instructions.

Call Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC to schedule rotator cuff tear treatment, or book your appointment online today.