A rotator cuff tear occurs when the group of muscles that support and stabilize the shoulder joint is partially or completely injured. It’s a fairly common injury—more than 2 million people see a doctor for rotator cuff tears, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Experts at the Hollywood Pain Clinic say the condition weakens the shoulder and prevents a person from performing basic activities like getting dressed or combing one’s hair. Shoulder muscle tears can cause debilitating pain if left unchecked or untreated.
Symptoms of a torn rotator cuff
Rotator cuff tears may occur gradually or suddenly due to aging, overuse of the shoulder and arm, or injury from a fall during physical activity or an accident. Some patients do not have any symptoms of a rotator cuff tear. In some cases, a rotator cuff tear is not painful, but it can leave the arm and shoulder immobile.
If there is some pain, it may be a little uncomfortable at first. However, the pain may become worse when moving and raising the arm or performing daily tasks.
Over time, rotator cuff tear pain can develop even at rest. There may also be some popping sensations as the muscles tear further as you move your arms and shoulders. Lying on the weaker side of your shoulder can also cause significant discomfort.
Why Treat Rotator Cuff Tears
If you don’t see a doctor and therefore don’t receive a proper diagnosis or treatment for a rotator cuff tear, the problem in your shoulder may get worse. You may develop chronic conditions such as frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) or arthritis.
Before treating a rotator cuff tear, doctors at Hollywood Pain Clinic must perform a physical examination of the patient to determine pain level, muscle strength, and range of motion. Tests such as X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound may be needed to support the diagnosis.
Muscle injuries are classified into different grades based on severity. For the lower rotator cuff, many conservative treatments may be effective, such as
- Avoid activities that may worsen pain and rest your arms and shoulders
- Apply cold compresses for 15-20 minutes every 4-6 hours to reduce inflammation
- Heat to promote blood flow and relax muscles
- Physical therapy, including massage, stretching, and muscle exercises to restore range of motion
- Taking painkillers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Acupuncture relieves pain instead of taking painkillers
- Corticosteroid injections can reduce pain for a longer period of time without the need for painkillers
PRP Treatment for Shoulder Pain
Some of these conservative treatments must be continued for at least 3-6 months to allow full recovery of the rotator cuff. However, platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) may be needed to treat a rotator cuff tear if:
- Six months later, your shoulder problem still hasn’t improved.
- The tear in your shoulder is affecting your activity and quality of life.
- Your job relies heavily on the use of your shoulders.
PRP in Hollywood uses platelets from your own blood to heal your wounds. After the blood sample is taken, the blood components will be separated by centrifugation. The platelets and plasma are then mixed to form a platelet-rich plasma solution, which is injected into the injured shoulder. This triggers the body’s immune system to repair the damage with the help of macrophages (to prepare the injured area for healing) and stem cells (to regenerate and repair damaged cells).
PRP treatment is a very simple procedure and you can go home immediately after the procedure. When you recover, you may be asked to come back for follow-up visits and more injections until you are fully recovered.
Learn more about Aventura Pain Clinic and PRP in Hollywood:
Our pain clinic in Aventura offers comprehensive interventional pain management services. Our pain specialists are experts at performing procedures such as spinal cord stimulation, platelet-rich plasma injections, epidural steroid injections and other innovative techniques. All of these can help relieve your pain and restore your quality of life. If you have any questions, please contact us.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice and does not substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
