Four Questions about Rotator Cuff Injuries

Have you been experiencing limited range of motion in your shoulder?  Do you feel sharp pains when you move your shoulder?  You could be suffering from a rotator cuff injury, which can be extremely painful and slow to heal.  The rotator cuff muscles work together to allow the shoulder to move.  These muscles are easy to injure, especially in athletes that perform repetitive arm movements, like baseball and volleyball players.  As an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, we treat many rotator cuff and shoulder injuries so you can gain full range of motion once again.  There are a few questions that will help you better understand, prevent, and treat rotator cuff injuries.

How do rotator cuff injuries happen?

Often times, rotator cuff injuries are caused by repetitive movements over your head, which are common in many types of sports.  Baseball, volleyball, and gymnastics require these movements.  Also, you can injure your rotator cuff if you suddenly fall directly on your arm.  Overuse injuries and muscle strain are two of the most common causes of rotator cuff injuries.

What's the difference between a rotator cuff impingement and a tear?

Two types of rotator cuff injuries are common.  Impingements are the most common, and they occur when the muscles are swollen and cramp up the space between the arm bones.  This can result in a pinching pain.  A tear, however, occurs when one of the muscles in the rotator cuff is torn.  Most tears do not require surgery to repair, but in severe cases, your orthopedic surgeon in Deltona may suggest this option.

What should I do after I injure my rotator cuff?

If you have sustained an injury to your rotator cuff muscles, you will want to follow a few steps to properly handle your pain and rest your muscles.  First, follow the RICE method.  Rest your arm, apply ice to your arm, compress the area, and elevate the shoulder to treat pain and reduce swelling in the area.  After the swelling subsides, there are certain exercises you can perform to start working your muscles slowly.

How can I prevent a rotator cuff injury?

There are a few things you want to do to prevent rotator cuff injuries from occurring.  Practicing good posture and avoiding smoking are two simple ways to keep good blood flow to your shoulder.  Also, avoid repetitive arm movements when you can, and give your arm a much-needed break when it feels tired.  Practice strength training exercises that target your shoulder muscles and keep them in optimal shape.

These are a few questions that can help you better understand your rotator cuff injury or your risk of becoming injured.  If you are concerned about rotator cuff injuries or you are dealing with a limited range of motion in your shoulder joint, you'll want to talk with an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona.  Contact Florida Bone & Joint to schedule your appointment today.