When Does A Rotator Cuff Injury Require Surgery?

Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles that support your shoulder and enable you to move it. You probably don’t give these muscles much thought 一 unless you injure them. When any of these muscles are damaged or injured, you can experience a deep ache in your shoulder as well as a reduced range of motion. Intense pain can limit your activity, interfere with your sleep, and impact your athletic performance.

Physical therapy is often the first line of defense against a rotator cuff injury, but in some cases, surgery may be the best path forward. Our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat rotator cuff injuries here at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County in Bloomfield Hills and Clarkston, Michigan, and if you need surgery, we utilize cutting-edge arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques. 

Keep in mind that each treatment plan is customized based on the severity of your rotator cuff injury, your symptoms, and your overall health, but the following can serve as general guidelines that your shoulder injury may require surgery. 

You’ve already tried conservative treatments with little relief

At-home remedies can help reduce pain and swelling. These remedies may include resting your shoulder, alternating between hot and cold therapy, and wearing a sling. Here at our office, our physical therapy team may provide stretches and exercises to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and help prevent future injuries. We may also recommend a cortisone injection to reduce pain and inflammation. 

However, if none of these nonsurgical treatments provide relief (or enough relief), it’s time to consider the benefits of surgery. Physical therapy, at-home exercises, and steroid injections don’t work overnight, so it’s important to monitor your condition for a few weeks to see if there’s any progress. 

Your injury prevents you from working

If you rely on your shoulder to complete your basic job duties, any shoulder injury 一 especially a rotator cuff injury 一 can cause problems. You need your rotator cuff muscles to pull, lift, and reach for items. Athletes (especially those who participate in throwing sports), manual laborers, those who work in manufacturing, and nannies and daycare workers who need to pick up and lift babies may find it hard to work while injured. 

If your injury is interfering with your ability to work, talk to your Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County provider to help weigh the pros and cons of surgery.

Your rotator cuff injury makes it hard to perform daily tasks

If your rotator cuff injury is severe enough that you’re unable to perform basic tasks, you may be a candidate for surgery. Ask yourself if your pain interferes with any of the following:

• Getting dressed
• Performing basic household chores like sweeping or making your bed
• Hygiene tasks, such as bathing or brushing your hair
• Reaching into your cabinets for food or dishes

Keep a journal of your symptoms and note if your symptoms are improving, intensifying, or remaining the same.

Your rotator cuff is severe

Just like ankle sprains, rotator cuff injuries are categorized into different grades. A small or partial tear may respond quickly to conservative treatments, such as physical therapy. 

However, if you have a severe tear (greater than three centimeters), you may benefit from surgical intervention. Surgery can help reduce your risk of developing chronic damage to the tendons and muscles in your rotator cuff if the tear isn’t treated properly.

Exploring your surgical options

When it comes to shoulder surgery, there are many different types of surgeries and techniques available, and the type that you need depends on the severity of your injury. Potential surgical techniques include:

• Trimming and debridement
• Stitching the tendon back to the humerus
• Shoulder replacement
• Reverse shoulder replacement 
• Tendon repair 

Shoulder surgery can also be performed as a minimally invasive procedure, when feasible, or as a traditional open surgery. 

 Don’t let the discomfort of a rotator cuff injury keep you from living life to the fullest. Schedule a consultation at our location of your choice and explore the possibility of shoulder surgery. You can reach us at 248-335-2977 or through our online form.