When you think about someone who has a rotator cuff tear, it’s easy to think about a sports professional or someone who is extremely active. What most people are surprised to learn is that rotator cuff tears do not discriminate. They don’t care if you are active or if you’re inactive. The likelihood that you will have to deal with a rotator cuff tear in your life is actually pretty high. The good news is rotator cuff repair is designed to treat the condition.
First and foremost, even though everyone has heard of the rotator cuff, most people don’t really know what it is or what it does. A lot of people say that the rotator cuff’s job is to rotate the arm. And there is some truth to that. But it is more accurate to say that the purpose of your rotator cuff is to steer your shoulder. It keeps your shoulder where it should be. It allows your arm to move with normal mechanics without you feeling any discomfort or pain. When your rotator cuff is torn, things that you would normally do without discomfort now cause you a lot of pain.
You may ask, if rotator cuff tears are so common, how do they happen? Well, rotator cuff tears happen because of three primary factors: trauma, repetitive activity and degeneration of the rotator cuff. In the same way that automobile parts break down with use, using your rotator cuff repeatedly causes it to start to break down.
There are a number of factors to consider when determining whether or not you should undergo rotator cuff repair. One thing to think about is the pain you are experiencing coupled with the normal functioning of your rotator cuff.
During your initial consultation at Angelo Mattalino, MD in Phoenix, you can talk with Dr. Mattalino and explain the level of pain that you have. If it is determined that arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is right for you, you can learn more about the procedure, including what to expect before, during and after the procedure. This may be the best option for you if you’re experiencing pain, rehab is not working and steroid shots are not a viable option. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more.