Q: My husband tore his rotator cuff lifting weights. Is there anything he can do to help it heal?
A: Rotator cuff injuries are a common source of shoulder pain and dysfunction. While nonoperative treatment can be appropriate in some cases, surgical treatment is often required and is the preferred treatment for younger, more active patients with large or complete tears, particularly those that result from injury. Surgeons can do these repairs through an arthroscopic procedure rather than traditional open surgery. The arthroscopic procedure takes about an hour and patients may return home the same day.
Rehabilitation, which includes visits with a physical therapist and a home exercise program, usually begins immediately, and most patients will wear a sling for four to six weeks. After sling removal, a patient can use the arm for normal daily activities but should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous use. Strengthening exercises are normally started at 12 weeks and a return to full activities is expected at four to six months. The results of rotator cuff repair are quite good overall.
— Dr. Todd Bell, Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
Send your health-related questions for a medical doctor to lwilson@timesfreepress.com or call 423-757-6238.