Rotator Cuff Injuries: Symptoms and Treatment [3 of 5]

Am I at risk for a rotator cuff injury?

The risk of sustaining a rotator cuff injury increases with contact sports, especially boxing, wrestling or rugby. The risk increases with:

1. Any activity that involves forceful throwing, lifting or throwing sports such as baseball, football, basketball or tennis.
2. Any cardiovascular medical problem that results in decreased circulation.
3. Medical history of any bleeding disorder.
4. Obesity
5. Poor nutrition
6. Poor muscle conditioning
7. Previous shoulder injury.

What is the proper care for a rotator cuff injury?

The appropriate health care for a shoulder dislocation is a doctor's diagnosis. This will include:

1. A tear needs to be seen and evaluated by a physician to determine if surgery is needed to repair the muscle. If large tears are left alone, they often lead to arthritis, due to continual rubbing and inflammation of the joint. Surgical repair of a torn rotator cuff muscle can often be done with arthroscopic techniques, which use a very small incision, and the patient can go home the same day. Recovery involves medication to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy exercises to increase range of motion and strength.
2. Physical therapy (Moderate or severe strain)
3. Self-care during rehabilitation.

Are there any complications with rotator cuff injuries?

Some possible complications can be:

1. Prolonged healing time if activity is resumed too soon.
2. Proneness to repeated injury.
3. Unstable or arthritic shoulder following repeated injury
4. Inflammation at the attachment to the bone(periostitis).
5. Prolonged disability, usually weakness and pain, when using arm in the overhead position.

How long does a rotator cuff injury take to heal?

If this is a first time injury. Proper care and sufficient healing time before resuming activity should prevent permanent disability. Torn ligaments and tendons require as long to heal as fractured bones do. The Average healing times are:

1. Mild strain: 2 to 10 days
2. Moderate strain: 10 days to 6 weeks
3. Severe strain: 6 to 10 weeks.

If this is a repeat injury the complications listed above are more likely to occur.

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