Have you been dealing with shoulder pain for a long time? Is it becoming difficult to cope with? Shoulder pain isn't the type of condition that should be taken lightly, as there can be a serious cause of it that requires treatment by a physician. Even if you have never injured your shoulder, it can become painful due to various problems, such as rotator cuff damage. You might actually need to undergo surgery if your rotator cuff is damaged, which is why prompt examination is in your best interest. In this article, you will learn more about shoulder pain that is caused from a damaged rotator cuff and how it can be treated.

How Rotator Cuff Damage Can Occur

A rotator cuff is an important aspect of your shoulder because it assists with moving your arm. The cuff consists of numerous tendons and muscles that can become damaged from injuries, such as lifting heavy objects. Injuries can lead to the tendons in the cuff becoming torn, which is usually when severe pain is experienced. It is also possible for the tendons to get pinched by the bones in your shoulder and cause discomfort. Rotator cuff damage can get worse with time and might lead to you being unable to use your arm.

Surgical Procedures for Treatment

Treating a damaged rotator cuff can be done using several techniques. A physician will have to determine the specific cause of the injury before it can be properly treated. For instance, if he or she is unable to pinpoint the problem via an x-ray, you might need to undergo arthroscopic repair surgery that allows him or her to take a closer look at the rotator cuff. An arthroscopic repair might also be used to treat the damage if it isn't too severe. If the damage is severe, you might need to undergo open tendon repair surgery.

Undergoing Physical Therapy to Heal

No matter which type of surgical procedure you undergo, it will take time for your shoulder to fully heal. You will likely need to undergo physical therapy after surgery has been performed. This is because a therapist can speed up the healing process by moving your arm, massaging your shoulder, and using other methods to reduce inflammation. The frequency in which you will have to undergo therapy sessions depends on the overall condition of your shoulder after surgery is performed. 

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