What is a rotator cuff tear?

Rotator cuff tear are irritations of or damage to tendons around the shoulder. These disorders include inflammation, calcium buildup, and tears of the tendon.

Another rotator cuff disorder is inflammation of the protective sac (bursa) in the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff disorders caused by age-related changes (degeneration) often are associated with rubbing of the tendon on the bone (impingement).

What is a rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and their related muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow you to raise and rotate your arm. The rotator cuff helps keep the arm bone seated into the socket of the shoulder blade.

What causes a rotator cuff tear?

Rotator cuff disorders are usually caused by a combination of factors such as: normal wear and tear, impingement, repetitive stresses, inflammation, tendonitis, and buildup of calcium.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Pain
• Weakness
• Stiffness in the shoulder

Tests:

• Plain X-rays
• MRI
• Ultrasound
• Lab Testing

Diagnosis:

A targeted history and physical examination combined with appropriate testing should help the clinician identify and properly treat this condition.

Treatments:

• Drug Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Injection for rotator cuff tear
• Surgery

Biceps tendonitis is an inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon, as well as its paratendon (the sheath surrounding the tendon). It often occurs as a result of overuse or chronic “wear and tear”. Overuse can cause microscopic tears to form in the tendon.

These tears trigger an inflammatory response, which causes pain. Biceps tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of the biceps tendon, which connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder.

Factors which increase the risk for tendonitis:

• Inadequate nutrition
• Age
• Overuse
• Stress
• Repetitive overhead activity

Signs and Symptoms:

• Tenderness
• Excessive overuse
• Swelling
• Sharp pain
• Stabbing pain
• Clicking or popping sensation
• Weakness
• Decreased range of motion

Testing:

• Physical exam
• MRI

Diagnosis:

A comprehensive medical history along with proper testing as well as a vocational history is also very important because many skilled laborers or assembly line workers perform the same offending motion at work.

Treatment:

• Drug therapy
• Physical therapy
• Anesthetic/Corticosteroid Injections

Bursae are fluid filled sacs found in those areas in the body where friction between tissues might occur. Bursae are located predominantly between bony prominences, muscles, or tendons.

Their main function is to provide cushion and support in areas where repetitive motion occurs.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Tenderness
• Excessive overuse
• Swelling
• Sharp pain
• Stabbing pain
• Clicking or popping sensation
• Weakness
• Decreased range of motion

Testing:

• Physical exam

Diagnosis:

A comprehensive medical history along with proper testing as well as a vocational history is also very important because many skilled laborers or athletes whose sports that require repetitive throwing and swinging motions and who use the shoulder joint throughout its entire range of motion, such as in swimming, gymnastics, and wrestling.

Treatment:

• Drug therapy
• Physical therapy
• Anesthetic/Corticosteroid Injections

Suprascapular nerve neuritis also called (brachial plexus neuritis) which is often misdiagnosed as cervical radiculopathy.

Acute brachial plexus neuritis is an uncommon disorder characterized by severe shoulder and upper arm pain followed by marked upper arm weakness.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Localized severe pain
• Diminished reflexes
• Profound upper arm weakness

Testing:

• Physical exam
• MRI
• Electromyography

Diagnosis:

A comprehensive physical exam and medical history by clinician, along with appropriate testing to determine treatment is required.

Treatment:

• Drug therapy
• Physical therapy
• Anesthetic/Corticosteroid Injections