Rotator Cuff Tears are a common injury of a complicated joint. Because of our dependence on the shoulder for many activities, these injuries can be frustrating experiences.

Shoulder pain is an extremely common complaint with our patients in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Hampton Roads, and it has many causes. Because we use our arms for so many common activities, shoulder pain can cause significant problems. In order for proper treatment, the cause of the problem must be identified by an orthopedic doctor or physical therapist.

The rotator cuff is the group of four tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint. When the rotator cuff is injured, it’s the tendons of the rotator cuff that are injured. It is these tendons that connect the rotator cuff muscles to the bone. When the tendons are inflamed or torn, they cannot function properly.

Rotator Cuff Tear Symptoms

The most common symptom of a rotator cuff problem is pain. Patients in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Hampton Roads, usually complain of pain over the top of the shoulder and arm. In some patients, the pain can descend down the outside of the arm all the way to the elbow.

The other common symptom of a rotator cuff tear is weakness of the shoulder. Weakness causes difficulty lifting the arm up overhead or difficulty with activities such as reaching, getting dressed, or carrying objects.

Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears

Most rotator cuff tears can be treated without surgery by an orthopedic doctor or physical therapist.   In fact, it is the small minority of patients who end up undergoing surgical treatment for a rotator cuff tear.

Non-surgical rotator cuff treatments may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory pain medications, and cortisone injections. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and strengthen the uninjured muscles around the shoulder to compensate for the torn muscles.

If You Live in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Let Our Non-Surgical Doctor or Physical Therapists Help You to Relieve Your Pain without Surgery. Together We Strive to Knockout Pain®

Make an appointment to meet with Dr. Bragg to discuss non-surgical treatment options for rotator cuff tears.