By David Perdew
Many people suffering with rotator cuff injuries will be relieved to hear that not all treatment requires surgery. Unfortunately, however, severe injuries can only be repaired through surgery. Many factors determine the need for surgical versus non-surgical rotator cuff treatments. Whether surgery is needed is determined by a doctor who must look at all those factors.
Most shoulder injuries can be successfully treated through these methods and also by ensuring complete rest and a balanced therapy routine.
If the non-surgical options are not successful in treating the tear, then surgery will most like be considered. Rotator cuff surgeries vary from minor to major, depending on the severity of the injury.
One factor that influences a decision regarding whether or not rotator cuff surgery is necessary is the degree of the symptoms experienced by the patient. If a person's symptoms are minimal, doctors will generally focus on treating it with non-surgical methods.
A small rotator cuff tear can be monitored by a doctor to determine if it is getting worse over time or if it can be successfully treated using non-surgical methods. Small tears can usually be alleviated through treatments such as physical therapy. If the tears are large, however, earlier intervention is necessary as these larger tears can lead to a shortened tendon and a weakening of the muscle. Early surgery for large rotator cuff tears may result in a higher chance of recovering successfully.
More extensive treatment, including surgery, may be required for patients who experience extreme pain in their shoulders, arms, and elbows. Constant pain and difficulty in performing basic activities may be an indication that the rotator cuff tear is very large. In these cases, rotator cuff surgery may be necessary, especially when the pain interferes with normal daily activities.
If non-surgical treatment options have not been successful, surgery may be the only option. Your doctor is your best source of information in making the decision of whether or not to have surgery. It is necessary to be aware of both the potential benefits and the potential risks of having surgery. Not all rotator cuff tears are the same and the type of surgeries vary as well, so it is important to be well-informed.
The recovery process following this surgery will typically last six to 12 months, so a potential patient should plan ahead and be prepared to spend that amount of time recovering. How well you prepare your body for the trauma can help to determine how well you will recover afterward. Your level of strength before the surgery will greatly affect how well you are able to cope with the recovery process.
Physical therapy will typically begin immediately after surgery. The physical therapy routine will start gradually and then become more intense. After repairing the tear, it is important to take time and follow the instructions for a proper recovery. Rest is very important after rotator cuff surgery; it may take time, but the results will be well worth it.
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