Shoulder pain can make everyday activities like lifting, reaching, or even sleeping difficult. If you’ve been diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff or are experiencing persistent shoulder problems, you may be wondering if rotator cuff surgery is the right solution.
At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine, serving Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, our experienced team offers advanced treatments for shoulder injuries, including arthroscopic and open surgical options. If shoulder pain is limiting your motion or quality of life, contact our specialists today to schedule a consultation.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, stabilizing the humeral head (the top of the upper arm bone) and allowing smooth shoulder motion. A rotator cuff tear can result from an acute injury, repetitive stress, or bone spurs rubbing against the tendon tissue over time.
When nonsurgical treatments like rest, medications, and physical therapy don’t relieve symptoms, rotator cuff surgery may be necessary to repair a torn rotator cuff and restore shoulder function.
Surgeons often recommend rotator cuff repair surgery for patients with:
Surgery may also be needed when the shoulder muscles begin to atrophy or when a cuff tear leads to shoulder arthritis, which sometimes requires a reverse shoulder replacement.
Preparation begins several weeks before the surgical procedure. Your surgeon may recommend:
You’ll also review your physical therapy program and postoperative instructions so you know what to expect after surgical repair.
The goal of rotator cuff repair is to reattach the torn tendon to the upper arm bone using sutures or anchors. Depending on the severity of the injury, several surgical techniques may be used:
Each surgical technique aims to restore shoulder function, reduce pain, and help you regain a normal range of motion.
While rotator cuff surgery is generally safe, risks can include:
Working with an experienced surgical team, such as ours in Granville and Coshocton, OH, and following your postoperative care plan can help reduce these risks.
Recovery varies based on the size of the tear and the type of surgical repair performed. Most patients wear a sling for a few weeks to protect the shoulder joint as the muscles and tendons heal.
A guided physical therapy program begins gradually, focusing on restoring shoulder motion and rebuilding strength in the deltoid muscle and surrounding tissues. As healing progresses, patients regain shoulder function and can return to normal activities.
Complete recovery from arthroscopic tendon repair or mini open repair may take several months, while open tendon repair or reverse shoulder replacement can require a longer timeline.
If you’re dealing with a torn rotator cuff, chronic shoulder pain, or reduced mobility, don’t wait to get help. Our specialists at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine in Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, are here to diagnose, treat, and guide you toward complete recovery through expert shoulder surgery and rehabilitation.
Contact our team today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward restoring your strength and comfort.
Medically reviewed by Eric Erb, MD
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