Your shoulder is incredibly flexible, able to lift, swing, and rotate to support a wide range of movements. All that flexibility is due in large part to a group of muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff that hold the shoulder joint together and support its vast range of motion.
The rotator cuff is tough and durable, but it’s not impervious to injury. In fact, rotator cuff injuries are surprisingly common, affecting millions of Americans and becoming more common with age.
As a leading orthopaedics specialist, James M. Lee Jr., MD, helps patients at Orange Orthopaedic Associates recover and heal following rotator cuff injuries, providing individual treatment based on each patient's specific medical needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Here, learn what to expect if your rotator cuff injury requires surgical repair.
There are different types of rotator cuff injuries, and those injuries can vary in severity. Not all injuries require surgery.
Rotator cuff tendinopathy happens when the tendon becomes irritated and inflamed. This type of injury typically responds well to rest, ice, activity modification, and medication. Bursitis is inflammation of a tiny sac of fluid called a bursa, which protects the rotator cuff. This type of injury also responds well to nonsurgical intervention.
Rotator cuff tears, on the other hand, may need surgery to repair. Very mild tears sometimes heal on their own, but more significant tears and tears that cause continued pain despite nonsurgical treatment typically need surgery to repair the tendon or reattach it.
You may also need surgery if you use your shoulders a lot for work or if you lead a very active lifestyle. Arm weakness and significant loss of shoulder motion are other indications that you might benefit from surgery.
Dr. Lee is skilled in multiple types of surgery for rotator cuff repairs, which means you can count on getting the best treatment for your specific needs. Some surgeries use an open technique with a large incision to expose the joint while minimally invasive surgery uses much smaller incisions and special instruments.
The surgery itself focuses on repairing tears, eliminating bone spurs, replacing damaged tendons, or even rebuilding or replacing the shoulder joint. Dr. Lee performs a thorough exam and reviews diagnostic imaging to recommend the best approach based on your symptoms, the extent of your injury, and other factors.
After surgery, it’s common to feel pain in your shoulder, especially once the anesthesia has worn off. Dr. Lee prescribes medication to ease discomfort, as well as bandages and a sling to keep your arm immobile during the first several weeks of healing.
As healing progresses, you participate in physical therapy to restore your shoulder’s strength and flexibility. It’s important to attend all therapy sessions, to perform at-home exercises as prescribed, and to be very careful not to exceed those recommendations to avoid straining your shoulder and setting back your recovery.
Initially, exercises focus on improving range of movement in the shoulder. At about 8-12 weeks, you add strengthening exercises. You can expect recovery to take several months.
Throughout the process, you work toward regaining normal function in your shoulder. Regular visits with Dr. Lee ensures your rehab and recovery are progressing toward your goals.
Recovering after rotator cuff surgery takes time, but by following the guidance and instructions that Dr. Lee and your physical therapist provide, you can enjoy better strength and range of motion without chronic pain and stiffness.
To learn more about rotator cuff surgery, book an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Lee and our team at Orange Orthopaedic Associates in West Orange and Bayonne, New Jersey, today.
