Rotator Cuff Injury

Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. The rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, plays a critical role in stability and movement. Rotator cuff injuries are common, especially among athletes and individuals engaged in repetitive overhead activities. At Emirates Hospitals Group, we understand the limitations and pain a rotator cuff injury can cause. Our team boasts of Dubai’s best orthopedic surgeons having UK and German board-certifications, specializing in advanced shoulder surgery. We offer comprehensive treatment plans for rotator cuff injuries, helping you regain shoulder strength and function.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff comprises four muscles that work together to stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for a wide range of motion. Rotator cuff injuries can occur in various ways, including:

• Tears: Tears in the tendons or muscles of the rotator cuff can be partial or complete, often caused by sudden forceful movements or repetitive overhead activities.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons can develop due to overuse or impingement.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac cushioning the rotator cuff, can accompany tendinitis or occur independently.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for Treatment

The severity of a rotator cuff injury determines the intensity of your symptoms. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Pain: A dull ache or sharp pain in the shoulder, often worsening with specific movements like reaching overhead or behind the back.
• Weakness: Difficulty lifting objects or performing activities that require shoulder strength.
• Limited range of motion: Reduced ability to raise your arm overhead or behind your back.
• Catching or locking: A sensation of the shoulder catching or locking in a certain position.
• Crepitus: Grinding or clicking sounds with shoulder movement.
• Difficulty sleeping: Pain may disrupt sleep, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Injuries 

Our experienced doctors at Emirates Hospitals Group will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose your rotator cuff injury. This typically involves:

• Detailed Medical History: Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, any history of injuries, and your activity level.
• Physical Examination: The doctor will assess your shoulder for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and strength. Specific tests will be performed to check for weakness and impingement.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays can reveal bone abnormalities. An MRI scan is often the gold standard for visualizing soft tissues like tendons, muscles, and the bursa.

Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Injuries

Treatment for rotator cuff injuries depends on the severity of the tear, your age, and activity level. The team at Emirates Hospitals Group will design a personalized treatment plan, which may include:

• Non-surgical Management: For minor tears or tendinitis, this approach often involves rest, ice, compression, pain medication, and physical therapy to manage pain and inflammation and promote healing.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Cortisone injections may be used to reduce inflammation in some cases.
• Arthroscopic Repair: For certain types of tears, particularly in younger patients with good blood flow to the rotator cuff, arthroscopic repair may be possible. This minimally invasive surgery involves stitching the torn tendon back together using small incisions and specialized instruments.
• Rotator Cuff Debridement: For larger tears or tears in areas with poor blood flow, a debridement procedure may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and promote healing. This can also be performed arthroscopically.

Recovery Process and Protocols After Rotator Cuff Treatment

The recovery process after treatment for a rotator cuff injury varies depending on the treatment method used and the severity of the injury. Here’s a general overview:

• Immobilization: A sling or brace may be used initially to restrict shoulder movement and promote healing, especially after surgery.
• Pain Management: We will prescribe medication to manage pain during the initial recovery period.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation plays a vital role in regaining strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your shoulder. A dedicated physical therapist will design a personalized program to progressively strengthen your muscles and improve joint function.
• Gradual Return to Activity: Your doctor and physical therapist will guide you back to your regular activities in a safe and controlled manner. Full recovery from a rotator cuff injury can take several months, with some cases requiring up to a year for complete restoration of strength and function.