Your rotator cuff is a special group of tendons and muscles that is found around your shoulder joint. If you experience an injury to your rotator cuff, you will notice discomfort. You may have pain throughout the day that gets worse when you are trying to sleep. Your arm may feel weak. If your job requires you to reach over your head and put strain on your rotator cuff, an injury is common. Mechanics, carpenters, and painters are people who typically experience problems with their rotator cuffs. Athletes that put strain on their shoulder joint and the surrounding muscles, such as tennis players, often experience issues with their rotator cuffs as well. If you are dealing with a rotator cuff injury, you can find solutions here in Oklahoma City.
What to Do for a Rotator Cuff Injury
Whether your pain has been chronic or you have pain that occurs suddenly, you should have it evaluated by our physician. If you suddenly find that you do not have your normal range of motion accompanied by pain that is severe, you should make an appointment right away. You may have a tear that is significant. If your tear is extreme, surgical repair may be necessary. If you do not seek treatment, the end result may be a loss of flexibility and strength in the affected arm.
Treating a Rotator Cuff Injury in Oklahoma City
When you are evaluated by our specialist, an MRI, ultrasound, X-ray or combination of types of medical imagery will be used in order to pinpoint your injury. Our specialist needs to determine the extent of your injury in order to design the best treatment plan. When injuries are mild, the only things that may be necessary are the application of ice and resting the shoulder joint. Physical therapy and certain types of injections may be beneficial as well. However, surgery is necessary when the tendons and muscles of the rotator cuff experience a significant tear. Various surgical approaches can repair muscles and tendons.
To find out what treatment plan is best for you for a rotator cuff injury in Oklahoma City, make an appointment to see our doctor at Olsen Orthopedics. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Oklahoma City!