AthletePlus - Springdale, Arkansas - Athlete Plus - Physical Therapy - Sports Training - Athlete Plus - Speed Training - AthletesPlus - Core Training
| AthletePlus - Springdale, Arkansas - Athlete Plus - Physical Therapy - Sports Training - Athlete Plus - Speed Training - AthletesPlus - Core Training |
Phone: 479-751-THER (8437) |
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| What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears? One of the more severe shoulder injuries.  Multiple causes and most common in persons over 40. Physical therapy is treatment for initially for most tears.A rotator cuff tear could happen to a younger baseball pitcher or an older painter who has worked above his head for years. Causes of rotator cuff tears in our patients have included shoulder dislocations, falls, lifting heavy boxes above head, a bone spur, chronic tendinitis/bursitis, pull on leash when walking a dog, boating injuries, and many others. Tears are most common in those over 40 years of age, overhead athletes such as baseball or volleyball players, or those working above their head. Tears are classified as partial thickness or full thickness tears. Small: < 1 cm Medium: 1-3 cm Large: 3-5 cm Massive: > 5 cm Some patients can improve with physical therapy with minor tears. Some studies have shown that conservative treatment with physical therapy is successful in 40-80% of cases. Physical Therapy: Focus on muscles around the shoulder blade (scapular stabilizers), E-stim/ice (modalities) and restoring mobility (tight posterior capsule possibly). Neer has recommended 6-8 weeks of physical therapy before deciding on surgery if no improvement. Lately, leaders in the field are recommending waiting 6 months or more before deciding on surgery. There are 5 factors that influence whether to have surgery. (1) 1. Age of patient 2. How bad are symptoms (severity and duration of symptoms) 3. How did patient respond to physical therapy 4. How active is the patient 5. What activity or sport is the patient wanting to return Related Articles How Long Do I Ice? What is Shoulder Impingement? Should My Hand be in a Certain Position When I Raise My Arm Above My Head to Prevent Impingement? What is the Rotator Cuff? What is Frozen Shoulder? REFERENCES 1. Orthopedic Management of the Upper Quarter. North American Sports Medicine Institute. 2003 2. Tomberlin JP, Saunders HD Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Vol 2;1994. pg 105. This article is provided for information and entertainment purposes only. The content is provided "as is" for general information and to educate the reader. The article is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content should not be considered complete and should not be relied on to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual suffering from a particular problem, issue or medical need. The reader should always consult with a qualified health care provider familiar with the reader's general health, background and conditions and follow the advice given by the health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting a new diet, treatment or fitness program. Do not delay seeking specific advice or care or disregard the advice of your health care provider based on information contained in this article. Article Date: July 2009 |
So what should you do? See and see your sports medicine physician or physical therapist for an evaluation and possible trial of physical therapy Ice the shoulder per our guidelines if needed until your appointment. |