If your shoulder hurts and you’re researching shoulder pain treatment, you may have stumbled across rotator cuff surgery. Rotator cuff injuries can range from mild inflammation to more severe problems, like tears of varying degrees. Many can be treated conservatively, but some require rotator cuff surgery. Some common signs can indicate whether what you’re experiencing is something that may heal on its own with conservative treatment or whether you may be a candidate for surgery. 

What Is the Rotator Cuff?

Understanding the rotator cuff is the first step in determining whether you need to see a shoulder specialist for orthopedic surgery. When it comes to shoulder pain treatment, one of the first areas orthopedists may examine is the rotator cuff. 

The rotator cuff is part of your shoulder and includes the muscles and tendons that hold the top part of your arm bone in the shoulder socket. It is what’s responsible for keeping your shoulder stable, moving properly, and functioning as it should. Because people use their shoulders every day, they can sometimes deteriorate with age.

However, sports and acute trauma can also injure the rotator cuff, whether in an accident, collision, or from playing the game. Sports injury recovery varies depending on the severity of the injury, and in severe cases, rotator cuff surgery may be on the table. 

Signs You May Need Rotator Cuff Surgery

If you’re concerned about your shoulder and are seeking shoulder pain treatment, you may want to pay attention to the following signs, which may indicate something more severe is going on. If you’re experiencing several of the below problems, it’s time to consult a shoulder specialist to determine if rotator cuff surgery is something you need.

Persistent Shoulder Pain

If your shoulder pain continues despite rest, over-the-counter medications, or physical therapy, it may be a sign that you have injured your rotator cuff. If it is a minor irritation, your rotator cuff should heal with rest, pain relieved by medication while it heals, and your issues should resolve over time. If it’s been months, it’s time to see a shoulder specialist.

Additionally, if that shoulder pain continues despite physical therapy or at-home treatment, it may also signal you have something more going on. Finally, if you’re experiencing ongoing pain and/or it interferes with your ability to sleep or function on a day-to-day basis, it could be a sign you need rotator cuff surgery. 

Significant Weakness

Significant weakness is a major issue, and if you can’t lift everyday objects like a gallon of milk, you may have a tear in your rotator cuff. Shoulder pain treatment for minor injuries should include rest and resolve on its own. If you’ve tried that and you’re experiencing weakness in addition to pain, and this loss of strength is impacting your life and activities of daily living, it’s time to check in with a doctor because you may need orthopedic surgery to repair your shoulder.

Limited Range of Motion

Limited range of motion is another trouble sign that you’ve got a more severe injury. If you have trouble putting on your clothes, your shoulder may be the problem. For example, shoulder injuries will often mean you have trouble reaching, moving your arm behind or across your body, which can impact how you move. It may also come with stiffness. This is another warning sign you may need rotator cuff surgery.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

If you’ve had any combination of the aforementioned symptoms, it would be wise to get a consultation for shoulder pain. Treatment can range from rest and physical therapy to rotator cuff surgery, but only your orthopedic specialist will know, and an accurate diagnosis is necessary to fully heal and repair your shoulder.

An orthopedic shoulder specialist will conduct a physical examination of your shoulder and determine your limitations (if any), range of movement, and pain level. Imaging, either by an MRI, ultrasound, or both, will be advised to get a clear picture of what’s going on and to make an accurate diagnosis. 

A Large or Complete Rotator Cuff Tear

If imaging confirms a severe tear, you’ll likely be a candidate for surgery. There really isn’t a shoulder pain treatment for a complete tear that will allow for sports injury recovery or recovery in general if you aren’t an athlete. In these cases, rotator cuff surgery may very likely be recommended, though every case must be evaluated by a shoulder specialist before prescribing orthopedic surgery. 

Acute Injury with Sudden Loss of Function

If you have a shoulder injury that occurred after a fall or accident, whether it was a slip and fall or it happened during a sporting event or game, and you can’t move it, that is a sign that something is wrong. In those cases, it’s best to see an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible, especially if you have immediate weakness or an inability to raise your arm. You may also need to visit urgent care for pain management until you can be seen by a specialist who can evaluate whether you need rotator cuff surgery or if something else is going on.

What to Expect if Surgery Is Recommended

If you’ve visited your shoulder specialist and orthopedic surgery is recommended, your doctor will go over the specific details of your surgery, how long the surgery is anticipated to take, what recovery will look like, and more. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your provider, especially if you’re going in for rotator cuff surgery. 

In general, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has come a long way! Surgeons typically can utilize tiny cameras and thin surgical tools to view and repair the injury without needing to open up the whole shoulder. This minimally invasive method leads to shorter recovery time and equally as good if not better, outcomes. 

The great news is that even with massive rotator cuff tears, they can be repaired with rotator cuff surgery and without arthritis down the road. It is always important to follow through with all recovery instructions. Sports injury recovery, or simply needing your rotator cuff repaired, often requires physical therapy. It’s important to follow through with it for a successful recovery and repair.

Schedule Your Rotator Cuff Surgery Consult Today

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms that may indicate you need rotator cuff surgery, it is important to consult with an orthopedic surgeon. Contact the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute today to schedule a consultation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I know if I need rotator cuff surgery? 

Surgery may be recommended if you have a large tear, persistent pain that does not improve with conservative treatment, significant weakness, or difficulty performing everyday activities. 

Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery? 

Small or partial tears may improve with rest, physical therapy, and other non-surgical treatments. Larger or complete tears are less likely to heal without surgical repair. 

How long is recovery after rotator cuff surgery? 

Recovery varies depending on the size of the tear and the procedure performed, but many patients require several months of rehabilitation and physical therapy before returning to full activities.

Is arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery minimally invasive? 

Yes. Many rotator cuff repairs are performed arthroscopically using small incisions and specialized instruments, which may reduce pain and recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. 

When should I see a shoulder specialist? 

You should seek evaluation if shoulder pain lasts several weeks, causes weakness, limits your range of motion, interferes with sleep, or follows a traumatic injury.