Rotator Cuff Tendinitis vs Partial and Full Tears
About Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff, composed of four muscles in the shoulder, is an oft-injured part of the human body. Every year, around three million Americans experience some sort of rotator cuff issue. Luckily, the majority of these people recover with physical therapy and rest. In some cases, however, medical intervention and even surgery is necessary. That is why it’s so important to know what type of a rotator cuff injury you’re dealing with.
Rotator cuff tendinitis and a torn rotator cuff are the two most common injuries to this part of the body, and by properly distinguishing between them, you’ll be able to determine the type of care you need.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Rotator cuff tendinitis is defined by irritation or inflammation in the muscles and tendons surrounding a person’s shoulder. Symptoms typically start out as mild, but get significantly worse with the passage of time. The most common symptoms are swelling in the arm and shoulder, pain during arm movement, a popping sound during movement, a loss of strength in the affected arm, and a limited range of motion.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Tears of the rotator cuff vary in severity. A partial rotator cuff tear is characterized by a frayed or damaged tendon, while with a full rotator cuff tear the tendon is entirely severed or separated from the bone.
FAQ's
Q: What causes rotator cuff injuries?
A: Rotator cuff tendinitis usually develops over a long period of time and is caused by repetitive motions of your arm over a period of time. Work and sports activities are common culprits, especially when your arms are often moved above your head. Rotator cuff tears are often the result of overuse, but they can also occur from an accident or injury.
Q: How are these problems treated?
A: One of the most important aspects to treating tendinitis is to decrease the aggravating activity and bring down the inflammation to the tendon. With a combination of rest, ice, and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications, we can see improvements to your symptoms in 1-2 weeks. After your pain and inflammation are controlled, we are then able to diagnose and treat any muscle imbalances, myofascial restrictions, joint tightness and any other sources of friction leading to the tendinitis. In addition to this treatment, it has been shown in the literature that eccentric strengthening can be very effective in regaining stretch to an affected muscle and/or tendon.
Rotator cuff tears, however, require more involved treatment. A minor partial rotator cuff tear is sometimes treated conservatively with injections and physical therapy, but some partial tears, full rotator cuff tears and other traumatic tears will require a surgical repair.. Operations are especially necessary for athletes who hope to return to action after their injury.
Q: When should I visit my doctor about a rotator cuff injury?
A: There are a number of symptoms that warrant a visit to your doctor. They include:
- Shoulder pain affects your daily life.
- A decrease in the available range of motion in your shoulder.
- Shoulder pains wake you up during the night.
- Pain is affecting your range of motion.
- Weakness to the muscles in your arm, or unable to perform a specific motion or activity.
- The tendons and muscles in your shoulder are tender to the touch.
A visit to the doctor will help determine which of the common rotator cuff injuries you are suffering from and determine the correct course of action for Rehab.
At Custom Rehab, we have skilled physical therapists that would love to assist you in your road to recovery.