| Because of the complex structure of the shoulder joint, | | | | problem the tendons can eventually wear out and tear. |
| the stresses that the soft tissues are placed under on | | | | A torn shoulder tendon can be treated conservatively |
| a regular basis and the extreme movement capabilities | | | | (nonsurgically) or surgically. The decision to do surgery |
| and flexibility of this joint it is prone to injury. A common | | | | will depend on a alot of factors including the age of the |
| injury to occur in this area is a torn shoulder tendon. | | | | patient, prior medical history, occupation or sport, and |
| This article will discuss what this means and what your | | | | level of impairment the tear is causing. You will have to |
| options are for treatment. | | | | consult a surgeon to discuss if it is right for you. |
| A torn shoulder tendon means that one of the tendons | | | | Non-surgical treatment of this problem consists of |
| of the shoulder muscles (usually of the rotator cuff) | | | | taking anti-inflammatory medication, possible cortisone |
| has torn; either away from the bone it is attached to | | | | injection, and a structured exercise program. Activity |
| or the tear has occurred in the tendon itself. Tendons | | | | modification is important so that aggravating activities |
| are structures that attach our muscles to bone. The | | | | are avoided and the tendon has time to rest. In most |
| rotator cuff muscles are 4 muscles grouped together | | | | cases a trial period of conservative treatment is |
| in the shoulder that play a major role in movement. | | | | recommended before surgery is considered. This is |
| They are relatively small muscles and are prone to | | | | because in many cases a minor tear can resolve itself |
| injury. | | | | regarding pain, strength and function with the |
| These injuries or tears can occur for a variety of | | | | conservative treatment described above. If |
| reasons. Trauma is the most obvious. Falling onto an | | | | conservative treatment fails then surgery can be |
| outstretched hand or lifting something too heavy can | | | | considered. |
| cause the tendon to tear. Sometimes the injury occurs | | | | A torn shoulder tendon can be a debilitating condition |
| more subtly. Overhead athletes or occupations that | | | | that significantly limits your function. It can occur from a |
| require overhead work can cause small repetitive | | | | traumatic event or from overuse activities from your |
| injuries to these tendons that may only cause minor | | | | job or sport. Treatment options vary depending on |
| pain. Over time the pain can become worse and if you | | | | several factors but they generally are categorized as |
| continue the aggravating activities without treating the | | | | conservative (nonsurgical) or surgical interventions. |