Rotator Cuff Injury Experts in san antonio

What Is The Rotator Cuff?

Shoulder Anatomy

The shoulder is a complex joint with a wide range of motion. It consists of three main bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). These bones come together to form the glenohumeral joint, which is the primary joint responsible for shoulder movement. The joint is stabilized and supported by muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bursae around it — this includes the rotator cuff muscles. The glenoid fossa of the scapula serves as a shallow socket to contain the head of the humerus, allowing the shoulder to move to its full potential. The shoulder joint's unique construction allows it to perform actions including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.

the Importance of the Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is an important group of muscles and tendons located in the shoulder region that play a pivotal role in shoulder function and stability. It consists of four primary muscles — supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis — which surround the head of the humerus and hold it securely in place. Various shoulder movements, including rotation and elevation, are controlled and facilitated by these muscles

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries:

Rotator cuff injuries, such as tears or strains, can result from a variety of things. Proper care, including exercises to strengthen and maintain the rotator cuff, is essential to prevent and manage these issues, ensuring optimal shoulder function. The most common causes for a rotator cuff injury include:

  • Age-related Degeneration

  • Overuse/Repetitive Motions

  • Trauma/Acute Injury

  • Muscle Imbalances & Inflexibility

  • Chronic Inflammation

  • Poor Posture

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's best to see a shoulder specialist as soon as possible. Early intervention can be beneficial in preventing further damage. A delay in treatment may lead to more severe or lasting issues.

Rotator Cuff Doctor in San Antonio

common symptoms of rotator cuff Injuries:

Rotator cuff injuries can lead to various symptoms, depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

  • Joint Stiffness

  • Joint Pain (intermittent or chronic)

  • Pain When Reaching For Something

  • Limited Range of Motion

  • Neck Pain

  • Frozen Shoulder

  • Loss of Flexibility

  • Loss of Sleep Due to Pain

Treatment Options for A Rotator Cuff Injury:

  • Rest & Activity Modification: A reduction in activities that aggravate mild rotator cuff injuries can help accelerate healing.

  • Therapy: This can help improve shoulder strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

  • Injections: Corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, or stem cell therapy, can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote healing.

  • Surgery: When conservative treatments fail or for severe tears, surgery may be necessary.

What is rotator cuff repair surgery?

The rotator cuff repair procedure aims to correct significant tears or damage to the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder. This surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments no longer work or for cases with severe tears that significantly impair shoulder function. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the shoulder and access the damaged area, and then reattach or suture the torn tendon back to its proper location on the humerus bone.

Rotator Cuff Repair in San Antonio

why come to The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for your Rotator Cuff injuries?

When you visit us at The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, you will find a fine-tuned team ready to take care of you. Your physicians have over 100 years of collective experience and represent multiple generations and training backgrounds. In addition to your surgeons, you may meet one of our hand surgery fellows. Each fellow is a fully trained orthopaedic or plastic surgeon who has completed 5 to 7 years of surgical training after graduation from medical school and has chosen to spend an additional year in training to study hand surgery. In addition to the physicians, you will meet various staff members. From the front desk staff and Medical Assistants (MA’s) to the x-ray and cast technicians, each is committed to taking care of you.

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OTHER Shoulder RELATED ISSUES WE CAN HELP WITH

check out our latest blog posts regarding Shoulder Injuries

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Did you know we offer in-house therapy?

Hand therapy is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.

Certified Hand Therapy in San Antonio