Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries affect millions of people in the United States every year, and they’re often  the result of shoulder overuse. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon R. Jeff Grondel, MD, evaluates the severity of your rotator cuff injury before recommending treatment at Ridgeline Orthopedics in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Call Ridgeline Orthopedics or book an appointment online if you notice reduced shoulder function.

What are rotator cuff injuries?

Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles that support your shoulder. You rely on these muscles to reach upward or outward in any direction. When one of these muscles or tendons tears, the resulting injury is called a rotator cuff tear. 

Rotator cuff injuries can be acute, which means they happen suddenly, but they more commonly are due to overuse. If you do a lot of heavy lifting or if you repetitively raise your arm over your head, you’re at risk of damaging the muscles in your rotator cuff.

At Ridgeline Orthopedics, Dr. Grondel evaluates the muscles and tendons in your shoulder to identify a rotator cuff injury. With advanced care and rehabilitation, you can restore your shoulder’s range of motion and heal the damaged muscles. 

How can I tell if I have a rotator cuff injury?

Rotator cuff injuries can cause immense pain and even disability due to mobility limitations from tissue damage. The symptoms can be similar to other shoulder injuries, so getting a professional evaluation is important. 

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a rotator cuff injury are:

• Trouble raising or moving your arm
• Muscle weakness in the shoulder
• Shoulder pain that flares up with certain movements or activities
• Grating sounds or sensations with arm movement

It’s possible to have a rotator cuff injury that doesn’t cause pain. Sometimes, the pain may be severe enough to disrupt your sleep. If you experience any symptoms involving your shoulder, Dr. Grondel can provide a diagnostic evaluation with imaging tests. 

How are rotator cuff injuries treated?

Treating a rotator cuff injury may involve weeks or months of rehabilitation as you regain the use of your shoulder joint. As your shoulder heals, Dr. Grondel may recommend one or more clinical treatments to enhance healing or reduce pain. 

Some common nonsurgical treatments for rotator cuff injuries are:

• Rest
• Ultrasound therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid shoulder injection
• Physical therapy exercises and stretches

If your injury is severe and doesn’t improve with nonsurgical care, shoulder surgery may be the next step. Dr. Grondel develops a personalized care plan for your shoulder injury, including ongoing follow-up assessments. 

If you have a painful or immobile shoulder, call Ridgeline Orthopedics or schedule an appointment online for a rotator cuff injury evaluation right away.