Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment in Louisiana
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that holds your upper arm bone in the shoulder socket, keeping your arm stable while you lift and rotate it. Too much stress can cause a tear, either from a sudden injury or gradual wear. LA Pain Doctor helps patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA manage rotator cuff pain without rushing into surgery.
Request an AppointmentTypes of Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears may be partial, where the tendon is damaged but not completely torn, or full-thickness, where the tendon is torn all the way through. Acute tears happen suddenly from a fall, lifting something heavy, or a jerking motion. Degenerative tears develop slowly over time as the tendon wears down, often from repetitive overhead activity or age-related changes.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear
- Pain on the outside or front of the shoulder
- Pain when lifting or lowering the arm, especially overhead
- Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
- Night pain, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder
- A crackling sensation with certain movements
Who Is at Risk?
Rotator cuff tears are more common after age 40 and in people who do repetitive overhead work, such as painters, carpenters, and warehouse workers, or play sports like baseball, tennis, and swimming. Poor posture, bone spurs, and a family history can also increase risk.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Many partial and degenerative tears can be managed without surgery. A subacromial injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication to the space around the rotator cuff tendons and can reduce pain enough to begin strengthening exercises. Prolotherapy may help support healing of partially torn or degenerated tendons, and trigger point injections can relieve tight, painful muscles around the shoulder.
Physical therapy that strengthens the remaining rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles is a key part of recovery. If you have a large or acute tear, especially with significant weakness, we will coordinate a referral for surgical evaluation. Learn about related conditions such as frozen shoulder and shoulder arthritis, and explore our shoulder and arm pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
What does a rotator cuff tear feel like?
It usually causes shoulder pain and weakness when lifting or rotating the arm, and pain is often worse at night.
Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?
Many partial and degenerative tears improve with injections, therapy, and activity changes.
Do injections help rotator cuff tears?
Subacromial injections can reduce pain and inflammation, making it easier to strengthen the shoulder.
Can prolotherapy help a rotator cuff tear?
Prolotherapy may help partial tears and tendon degeneration by stimulating natural healing.
When is surgery needed for a rotator cuff tear?
Surgery may be recommended for large or acute tears, significant weakness, or pain that does not improve with treatment.
Is rotator cuff tendinitis the same as a tear?
No. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon, while a tear is actual damage. Tendinitis can lead to tears over time.
Where can I get rotator cuff treatment?
LA Pain Doctor treats rotator cuff pain at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Strengthen and Soothe Your Shoulder
Get help for rotator cuff pain and weakness. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.