Because so many joints, tendons and muscles come together at the shoulder to create a wide range of motion, the shoulder is vulnerable to multiple conditions that can cause pain. The most common source of pain in the shoulder is the rotator cuff. Depending on your situation, the pain may be treated with decompression surgery, a common procedure performed to give the tissues more space.
The shoulder is made up of three bones—the humerus, scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle—as well as the rotator cuff, a series of muscles and tendons that connect the upper arm to the shoulder blade. Rotator cuff pain, common in young athletes who use an overhead motion as well as in middle-aged adults, usually starts out as a mild discomfort but can progress to the point where you lose strength and motion. Eventually, you cannot perform ordinary tasks that involve placing the arm behind the back, such as reaching into a back pocket or sleeping on the affected side.
The majority of patients with a rotator cuff injury—such as shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tendinitis—can be treated without surgery, usually with activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. However, your physician may determine that surgery is best and may recommend that you undergo an arthroscopic or open procedure to create more space for the rotator cuff.
After surgery, you will likely need to keep your arm in a sling while you recover. During this time, we will work with you and your physician to help you regain range of motion and rebuild strength in your shoulder. This will likely require six to eight weeks, though rehabilitation can take longer for some individuals. Regardless of the time frame, it is imperative that you adhere to your rehabilitation program for proper healing.
If you have pain in your shoulder, see your physician first so that your condition can be treated. Whether your physician recommends surgery or not, we can create an individualized treatment program to ensure relief from your shoulder pain and an expeditious return to your daily activities.
