By relieving the pain the patient can then better work on his exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and often gets complete relief of his problem. We are careful how many shots we give into a joint because too many may damage the tissues. There is often a spur pressing downward against which the rotator cuff rubs. This can be shaved off and relieve the pain. We remove the bursa at the same time.
Surgery is as an outpatient and recovery is rapid.
Exercises are important but can usually be done by the patient without much help from a Physical Therapist. Torn Rotator Cuff - The rotator cuff muscles are usually torn in younger patients due to a single violent episode of applying too much force to the muscles, such as lifting too heavy an object or falling on the arm. In older patients a rotator cuff tear may result from too much heavy lifting or may result from the muscles rubbing against the overlying acromion. The main symptoms are weakness and pain. Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears - Treatment is surgery to repair the cuff.