Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment in Frisco, Denton, and Plano, TX

A collection of muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff attaches the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade and stabilizes the shoulder joint. A tear or injury to one or more of these tendons is called a rotator cuff tear.

Numerous things, including trauma and overuse, can cause rotator cuff tears. A rotator cuff tear often presents symptoms such as arm and shoulder pain, weakness, and restricted range of motion.

Rotator cuff tears are common, especially among older adults. Approximately 30% of people over the age of 60 have some degree of rotator cuff injury, and the prevalence increases with age.

Depending on the extent of the injury, rotator cuff tear treatment usually involves rest, physical therapy, and medication. Our knowledgeable team can assess your injury and suggest the best course of treatment.

A rotator cuff tear can be caused by several factors, including:

Overuse: Repeating the same shoulder movements over a long period can lead to wear and tear on the rotator cuff tendons, which can eventually result in a tear.

Trauma: A fall, direct blow to the shoulder, or lifting a heavy object can lead to a rotator cuff tear.

Poor posture: Poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over a computer, puts additional stress on the rotator cuff tendons and increases the risk of injury.

Age: As we get older, our rotator cuff tendons become weaker and less flexible, making them more susceptible to injury.

Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to rotator cuff injuries.

The two primary types of rotator cuff tears are:

Partial tear: When the rotator cuff tendon is injured but not completely torn, it is known as a partial tear. Although it may not have the same impact on range of motion as a full tear, this type of tear still results in shoulder pain and weakness.

Full tear: When the rotator cuff tendon is completely torn, it is called a full tear. This type of tear often results in severe discomfort, numbness, and a limited range of motion.

Rotator cuff tears can also be classified by location:

Supraspinatus tear: Rotator cuff tears most frequently affect the supraspinatus tendon. When lifting the arm, this type of tear often causes discomfort and weakness.

Infraspinatus tear: When the infraspinatus tendon tears, it causes pain and weakness when the arm is rotated. This tendon is located on the back of the shoulder blade.

Subscapularis tear: A subscapularis tendon tear, which is located at the front of the shoulder blade, makes it painful and difficult to move the shoulder and lift the arm.

Teres minor tear: The teres minor tendon is the smallest tendon in the rotator cuff. Injury to this tendon causes pain and weakness when rotating the arm outwards.

A rotator cuff tear can be diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, imaging tests, and patient history. During a physical exam, the doctor will ask you to perform certain movements to test your range of motion and strength in the shoulder. The doctor may also apply pressure to certain areas to check for pain or tenderness.

Diagnosis may also require using imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These examinations will identify the exact site of the injury and the extent of the tear. A minimally invasive surgical procedure called an arthroscopy, which allows a doctor to view the interior of the shoulder joint and make a more accurate diagnosis, may also be recommended in certain cases.

It’s advised to seek medical attention if you are experiencing pain, weakness, or limited range of motion in your shoulder. These symptoms often indicate a rotator cuff tear. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment will prevent further damage to the shoulder and improve the chances of a successful recovery.

If you are suffering from a rotator cuff tear, visit us at Pain Specialists of Frisco. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Frisco, TX, and Denton, TX. We Serve patients from Frisco TX, Denton TX, McKinney TX, Plano TX, Carrollton TX, Flower Mound TX, Lewisville TX, Allen TX, Aubrey TX, and surrounding areas.