When engaging in certain activities, like basketball or weightlifting, a muscle injury can develop in an instant or little by little over a long period of time. In the case of rotator cuff injuries, you may or may not feel pain, but the injury is still there. If you experience a rotator cuff injury in Oklahoma City, contact Olsen Orthopedics. Find more information about the injury below.
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons and muscles that hold your arm and shoulder together, along with helping you rotate your arms and lift them above your head. A rotator cuff injury occurs when a tendon or muscle tears. They can either partially tear or tear off completely. A partial tear is when the muscle has frayed or has been slightly torn. A complete tear is when a tendon or muscle is torn all the way through or torn off the rotator cuff.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Although one of the obvious signs of any kind of injury is pain (and rotator cuff injuries are no different, usually), there are some instances where you don’t feel the pain. Instead, you might feel weak or a popping sensation in the shoulder. Another sign is if you have trouble raising your arm above your head.
Causes of a Rotator Cuff Injury
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms but don’t remember the specific instance when you injured yourself, don’t fret. Many rotator cuff injuries happen over time, and most cases involve individuals over 40 years of age.
Individuals who engage in a lot of repetitive arm motion, especially over-head motion, are more likely to experience a rotator cuff injury. Carpentry, painting, sports (especially basketball and tennis), and construction are some of the most common professions that can lead to a rotator cuff injury.
Treatment of a Rotator Cuff Injury
There are several ways to treat a rotator cuff injury, but it depends a lot on the extent of the injury. Before treatment can happen, our doctor will use computer imagery tests to diagnosis the rotator cuff injury. Serious injuries, like complete tears, often require surgery, but some partial tears may only need physical therapy. It all depends on the unique situation.
Schedule an Appointment Today
To find out more information about the symptoms and treatment of rotator cuff injuries in Oklahoma City, contact us today at Olsen Orthopedics so that you can schedule your appointment!
