Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment in Jackson, NJ

The hardworking shoulder joint is stabilized by the rotator cuff, a complex group of muscles and tendons that allows the arm to lift and rotate. Because the shoulder is highly mobile and used during many daily activities, it is prone to injury. With repetitive overhead motion, a rotator cuff tendon can begin to fray and eventually tear.

A telltale sign of a rotator cuff tear is a dull ache deep within the shoulder that worsens with arm movement. If you think you might have this type of injury, you can consult with a shoulder specialist at Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) near Jackson, New Jersey. After discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and performing a physical examination, your physician at AOSMI may order an imaging test to further evaluate your shoulder joint and confirm your diagnosis.

How Is a Rotator Cuff Injury Treated?

The board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder surgeons at AOSMI specialize in performing the latest repair techniques for rotator cuff tears. However, we encourage our patients to begin with the least invasive treatment approach that we believe will be effective. Some nonsurgical therapies for rotator cuff tears include:

• Rest and activity modifications – It is important to avoid overhead lifting to minimize strain on the injured tendon.
• Protection – A sling can be worn to limit shoulder motion and promote healing.
• Medications – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken as needed to reduce painful swelling in the shoulder joint.
• Physical therapy – Gentle stretches and progressive range-of-motion exercises can increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder.
• Steroid injections – A local anesthetic and a powerful anti-inflammatory medication can be injected directly at the injury site to target painful inflammation.

If the symptoms do not improve with several weeks of conservative treatment, we may suggest a surgical procedure to re-secure the torn rotator cuff tendon to its attachment site on the bone. In many cases, the surgeons at AOSMI perform this surgery using minimally invasive techniques, a tiny camera, and special surgical instruments, which are inserted through small incisions around the shoulder joint. As compared to traditional open surgery, shoulder arthroscopy can offer several advantages, such as a lower risk of infection, less post-operative pain, and quicker healing.

If you would like to meet with a shoulder specialist to discuss treatment options for your rotator cuff tear, contact AOSMI to schedule a consultation at our sports medicine center in Jackson, NJ.