Shoulder tears affect mobility and personal comfort, but treatment and recovery can begin immediately after an injury. The extent of harm done depends on whether patients sustain blows, falls or overuse strains. As age or strenuous sports play degrade fibrous soft tissue, the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles commonly fail.
Patients may experience one instigating event or gradually lose function in the torn tendon area. A doctor's examination will provide insight into the scope of the injury, the required treatment and an estimate of how long recovery will take.
Features
Shoulder tears need immediate rest and treatment for inflammation and pain relief. Next, patients will undergo a period of self-healing or surgical repair to mend the torn tendon tissue or reattach it to bone. Treatment for rotator cuff injuries should always conclude with extensive rehabilitative exercise, preferably guided by a licensed physical therapist. The University of Buffalo (UB) Sports Medicine group points out that patients must do their "homework," however, in order for exercise therapy to render a full recovery.
Function
Just after shoulder injuries or surgical procedures, patients should rest for 48 hours, suggests the National Institutes of Health. A sling will encourage proper healing posture and provide pain relief by immobilizing the rotator cuff. Cold-pack applications and analgesic drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, will reduce pain and inflammation in the torn tendon.
Misconceptions
Not every shoulder injury needs surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaeadic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that about half of all shoulder tears may be capable of mending on their own with conservative self-care. Additionally, complete bed rest does not encourage proper healing. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients should not remain immobile for more than 2 days or past the duration of acute inflammation.
Identification
As the UB Sports Medicine group relates, physicians will evaluate the size and severity of shoulder tears and any bone complications using x-ray or MRI imaging tests. In light of patient history, they will prescribe home care or surgery to achieve the best recovery outcome.
Effects
Like all shoulder injuries, torn tendons of the rotator cuff heal according to the extent of damage and individual regenerative abilities. The rate of cellular growth differs from patient to patient. Complications that include bone fractures, bone spurs, and inflammation or tears in the bursa or labrum can slow recovery. The AAOS reports that most patients with simple tears regain functional strength and range of motion within 6 months of injury or surgery.
