The rotator cuff muscles and tendons are what keep your arm strongly connected to your shoulder socket. Tiny tears can develop in the rotator cuff due to overuse, which can cause chronic pain and mild disability of the shoulder.
A chronic rotator cuff issue can make daily living difficult because doing the simplest things that require you to move or raise your arm can cause pain. Even trying to find a comfortable position when sleeping may seem impossible.
You may have heard things about shoulder surgery that make you loathe, but a rotator cuff repair may be performed via minimally invasive procedures. Let us talk about the most common misconceptions that people have about rotator cuff repair and where you can go in Maryland for outstanding orthopedic treatment so you can get your arm back and working again.
Myth #1: Rotator Cuff Repair Is for Traumatic Injuries Only
Injuries to the rotator cuff are usually a result of degeneration of the shoulder muscles and tendons due to overuse and less often due to traumatic injury (from playing a sport, being in a car accident, etc.). Most patients who are treated for a torn rotator cuff are older or those who are in occupations that require constant shoulder and arm use.
Over time, the tears in the rotator cuff can make it difficult to carry objects or sleep at night due to the pain and discomfort. This is your indicator to have an evaluation by a skilled orthopedic doctor who specializes in treating shoulders and arms.
Myth #2: It Will Affect the Range of Motion in the Shoulder and Arm
It is not true that having rotator cuff repair surgery will affect your shoulder’s range of motion. Indeed, one of the main goals of this surgery is to restore your range of motion; this is done by reattaching the torn tendon and keeping the shoulder joint stable.
Most patients regain their shoulder’s full range of motion within four to six months after surgery. A physical therapist will gradually help you restore the strength, stability, and flexibility to the shoulder.
Myth #3: Recovery from Rotator Cuff Surgery Will Take a Long Time
Rotator cuff repair can now be performed using a minimally invasive technique. Using an arthroscope – which is a long, thin, flexible tube that has fiber-optic camera functionality at the end – the orthopedic surgeon can perform these repairs with just a small incision.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair usually translates to a faster recovery time, smaller scars, less pain and fewer complications; as well as, minimal bleeding during the operation itself.
Shoulder Surgeon for Rotator Cuff Repair in Lutherville, Maryland
Do not let scaremongering myths about this highly advanced procedure stop you from getting treatment that could restore function to your shoulder. Consult a highly experienced shoulder surgeon for your rotator cuff injury to find out whether the surgery is right for you.
Our orthopedic surgeons at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder have years of experience in performing highly advanced rotator cuff repair surgery. Our shoulder surgeons specialize in upper-extremity surgeries and we regularly perform rotator cuff repair with great success – to the satisfaction of our patients.
Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder has locations conveniently located throughout Maryland, including Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Pasadena, Westminster, and Baltimore. To schedule an appointment with one of our upper-extremity surgeons, call us today at (410) 296-6232 or complete our convenient appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
