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October 15, 2020 | Rotator Cuff Injuries
Get In TouchEvery year in the United States, about 2 million people seek medical care for a damaged rotator cuff, making it one of the most common shoulder injuries.
Why do injuries happen so frequently? Because the rotator cuff plays a big role in lots of shoulder movements, and that means they’re subjected to lots of wear-and-tear.
The rotator cuff is actually a collection of muscles and tendons that form an anatomical cuff around the shoulder joint. The cuff helps hold the joint together while also supporting a full range of movement.
Rotator cuff injuries can cause different symptoms, depending on the extent of the injury. As a double board-certified physician, Dr. Neel Amin of Advanced Relief Institute has extensive experience helping our patients overcome rotator cuff injuries.
If you think your rotator cuff has been injured, here’s what we recommend you do.
Pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion in your shoulder aren’t normal. These symptoms are your body’s way of telling you there’s a problem. If you ignore the symptoms, there’s a good chance your problem will become worse — maybe a lot worse.
Calling our office is the first step in making sure your shoulder gets the care it needs to relieve symptoms and stay healthy.
When you call, we may recommend an office visit to evaluate your shoulder. As an interventional pain management physician, Dr. Neel Amin uses an array of diagnostic techniques, including passive movements of your shoulder and diagnostic imaging.
Once your diagnosis is confirmed, he recommends the most appropriate treatment options to get your shoulder moving again.
Until your office evaluation, rest your shoulder to prevent irritating or damaging the cuff further and to help your body start the initial healing process. Limit how much you use your shoulder for lifting or even reaching over your head, activities that put a lot of stress on the rotator cuff.
Along with rest, avoid activities that put strain on your shoulder. That might mean modifying your work activities or even taking some time off.
Applying an ice pack to your shoulder helps reduce inflammation around the joint. Only apply ice for about 10 minutes at a time, and wrap the pack in a light cloth to protect your skin.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin may be helpful in decreasing symptoms until you can see Dr. Neel Amin. These medicines work to reduce both pain and inflammation in the muscles and tendons.
Rotator cuff injuries often cause pain when you lie down. To relieve discomfort, support your shoulder with a soft pillow and avoid lying on your side if you can.
Physical therapy is often part of a shoulder recovery plan, but that doesn’t mean you should try to exercise your shoulder on your own without medical guidance. Physical therapists know how to use exercise to promote healing without causing additional damage to the joint.
Until Dr. Neel Amin evaluates your shoulder, avoid exercise and weight-bearing activities that use your shoulder.
Advanced Relief Institute is a leading pain management practice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, providing comprehensive, custom-tailored care for patients with all sorts of shoulder symptoms.
If you’re experiencing pain, weakness, reduced range of motion, or other shoulder symptoms, we can help you get the care you need to prevent further joint damage. To schedule your office visit, give us a call or use our online tool today to request an appointment.