Rotator Cuff Surgery & Injury Treatment
Any injury to the rotator cuff, due to trauma or wear and tear with aging, can weaken your shoulder, making it painful and difficult to perform many daily activities. In severe cases, rotator cuff tears can cause disability. While the tear cannot heal itself, rotator cuff injuries can be successfully treated with minimally invasive surgery by your doctor in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles.
Shoulder Anatomy and Symptoms of Injury
Your shoulder has a wide range of motion, thanks to the three bones that form the shoulder ball-and-socket joint, namely the shoulder blade (scapula), upper arm bone (humerus), and the collarbone (clavicle), as well as the group of muscles connecting them together, collectively referred to as the rotator cuff.
When the rotator cuff tendons get injured or damaged, the function of the bursa (lubricating sac located between the bone on top of your shoulder and the rotator cuff) can be impaired, preventing the tendons from gliding freely when moving your arm. Injury can make normal activities painful, whether you’re working, playing, or just resting.
Other symptoms of rotator cuff injury include:
- Shoulder weakness
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain and tenderness especially when reaching overhead
- Clicking or popping sound when you move your shoulder
Rotator Cuff Shoulder Treatment
If your rotator cuff is injured, you need to see a doctor who specializes in shoulder treatment in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles. During the diagnosis, Dr. Rajan M. Patel will take your medical history and perform a physical exam to check your shoulder flexibility, identify areas of sensitivity, and assess your arm strength. Imaging tests, like X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI may be necessary.
Depending on your case, Dr. Rajan M. Patel may recommend several non-surgical treatments, surgery, or both. You can reduce pain and inflammation by resting and maintaining proper posture when standing and sitting, doing gentle shoulder exercises, applying an ice pack or heating pad, using prescription medication, steroid injection, or a few other in-office treatments.
Surgical Treatments for Rotator Cuff Injury
If other treatments don’t provide sufficient pain relief; the pain has lasted for more than 6 months; you have a large tear (over 3 cm); or us your arms a lot for sports or overhead work, then Dr. Rajan M. Patel may recommend surgery to correct the problem directly - whether tears or calcium deposits. Dr. Rajan M. Patel specializes in minimally invasive shoulder treatments, like arthroscopic surgery or mini-open repair (newer approach) to minimize pain and allow for speedy recovery.
Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery
Your recovery after surgery will take about 6 weeks or longer depending on your case. Dr. Rajan M. Patel will design a personalized rehabilitation program comprising physical therapy, wearing a sling to limit shoulder movement, using ice to reduce swelling, and a few other items.
Rotator Cuff Surgeon Beverly Hills & Los Angeles
The rotator cuff stabilizes your shoulder and allows it to function properly. Any injury or damage can cause pain and weakness, or even disability. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury, please contact Dr. Rajan M. Patel in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles for proper diagnosis and treatment.