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Rotator Cuff Tear

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A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury characterized by the tearing of the tendons in the shoulder’s rotator cuff. If you experience pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and difficulty lifting objects overhead, consult Dr. Gelber to diagnose the root cause and identify suitable treatment options for your rotator cuff injury.

What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of the tendons in the rotator cuff of the shoulder become torn or damaged. The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons and associated muscles that stabilize and facilitate the movement of the shoulder joint. Common symptoms of rotator cuff tears include shoulder pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and difficulty with everyday tasks like lifting and reaching overhead.

Common Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tears:

  • Shoulder pain often felt on the outside or front of the shoulder
  • Pain that worsens when lifting or lowering the arm
  • Difficulty in performing tasks like lifting objects or reaching overhead
  • Difficulty sleeping on the affected side due to pain
  • Limited range of motion in the shoulder, especially when trying to raise the arm
  • Audible cracking or popping sensations during shoulder movements
  • Gradual onset of symptoms for chronic tears
  • Sudden, intense pain from acute injuries

Potential Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears:

  • Age-related wear and tear of the shoulder joints
  • Repetitive overhead arm movements
  • Traumatic injuries of the shoulders
  • Degenerative changes in the tendons in the shoulder

Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears

If you suspect a rotator cuff tear, please seek prompt medical attention from an orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Gelber. To diagnose the condition, Dr. Gelber will begin with a thorough physical examination, assessing your range of motion and strength. Imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the tear. Finally, he will curate a personalized treatment plan for you.

Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Gelber recommends regenerative medicine techniques to promote natural healing in your shoulders. PRP injections involve injecting a concentrated solution of your own platelets into the injured area to promote healing. Stem cell injections may also be considered, where stem cells from your body are used to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

Functional & Integrative Medicine

Dr. Gelber may incorporate functional and integrative medicine approaches to address the root causes of your rotator cuff tear. This could involve dietary and lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and targeted exercises to improve shoulder function and prevent future injuries.

Last Resort: Arthroscopic Surgery

In cases where conservative methods don’t yield significant improvement or for severe tears, arthroscopic surgery may be the last resort. Dr. Gelber will use minimally invasive techniques to repair torn tendons, leading to quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Consult Dr. Gelber Today

Dr. Jonathan Gelber is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in integrative and whole-body wellness. He’s dedicated to providing bespoke treatment options tailored to your specific needs. He takes the time to thoroughly understand your condition and offers holistic solutions for your rotator cuff tear. Consult Dr. Gelber today to explore the best path toward recovery and reclaim optimal mobility in your shoulders.

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