LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
Rotator Cuff
Is shoulder pain interfering with your daily activities? Are you struggling with weakness or a limited range of motion? If so, you may be experiencing a rotator cuff injury. OrthoKnox in Knoxville, TN is here to help. Our experienced team of orthopedic specialists offers comprehensive solutions for rotator cuff problems, from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. Learn more about the rotator cuff and rotator cuff injuries, including rotator cuff tears, as well as how we can help you.
Learn about our expert team of orthopaedic specialists.
Understanding the Rotator Cuff
What is the rotator cuff?
The shoulder has a beautifully complex anatomy that is far more intricate than the simple ball-and socket joint we often envision. One important part of that anatomy is the array of four tendons called the rotator cuff which is primarily responsible for the rotational motion of the shoulder. Healthy tendons are important for normal motion, function, and pain-free living regarding the shoulder. Regardless of your type of job or sport, a torn rotator cuff or other rotator cuff injury is typically debilitating and seriously hinders your lifestyle.
Common Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: Total knee replacement can significantly reduce or eliminate knee pain.
- Rotator Cuff Tear: A partial or complete tear of the rotator cuff tendon.
- Impingement Syndrome: When the rotator cuff tendons become pinched between the shoulder blade and the humerus (upper arm bone). Watch our Impingement video below featuring Dr. Hovis to learn more.
Access our Shoulder Surgery Post-Operative Instructions.
Rotator Cuff Tears
What is a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear is an injury to the group of muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder in place. These muscles and tendons, collectively known as the rotator cuff, help you lift and rotate your arms. When the tissue that makes up the rotator cuff is damaged or torn, it can cause significant shoulder pain and weakness. Rotator cuff tears can occur suddenly due to an injury, or they can develop over time due to overuse or age-related wear and tear. To learn more, watch our Rotator Cuff Tear video featuring Michael Hoag, PT, DPT, MBA, OCS, MTC below.
How does the rotator cuff tear?
Any one of the four rotator cuff tendons can tear as a result of a single, acute trauma or as a result of degeneration and repetitive stresses. These repetitive injuries may lead to tiny tears in the soft tissue that become progressively larger. The most common of the four tendons to tear is called the Supraspinatous. This tendon may tear in isolation or in combination with some of the other tendons in the shoulder. The more tendons involved, the “larger” the tear becomes. Your surgeon may describe your tear as small, medium, large, or massive, depending on how many tendons are involved.
What factors put a person at higher risk for rotator cuff injuries?
There are many things that may put you at more risk of a rotator cuff injury, including:
- Trauma such as a fall
- Age and natural degeneration
- Impingement of the rotator cuff inside the shoulder
- Genetics
- Repetitive stress or injury
- Certain Sports that involve contact or overhead shoulder use
- Smoking
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
Rotator cuff tears can present in several ways, but most of the time the patient has pain and loss of motion. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Acute onset of pain from an injury
- Progressive dull, nagging pain in your shoulder from degeneration
- Weakness in your shoulder or upper arm
- Limited, or painful, movement of your shoulder
- Intermittent numbness or tingling in the arm, associated with the above symptoms
- Loss of sleep from shoulder pain
Important: If you think you may have a rotator cuff injury, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, as these tears can grow larger over time. Call us at 865.251.3030 to schedule an appointment so we may assess and treat your injury to prevent it from worsening.
How is a rotator cuff tear treated?
First, your doctor will diagnose your injury using advanced imaging, such as an MRI or CAT scan. Afterward, your surgeon at OrthoKnox will discuss all the treatment options with you. Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient. So, your surgeon will work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on your specific needs and situation.
Whenever possible, we always start with conservative treatment, such as physical therapy. OrthoKnox’s highly-trained team of physical therapists provides specialized therapy customized to rehabilitate your injury. However, if conservative therapies fail to relieve your pain or restore movement, surgery may be your best option.
Surgical treatment for rotator cuff tears typically involves arthroscopy. During this procedure, the surgeon uses tiny five-millimeter incisions to sew and repair the soft tissue and anchor your rotator cuff to your bone. There are many benefits to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, including less bleeding, quicker recovery, and significantly less postoperative pain. As a result of the advanced techniques we employ at OrthoKnox, patients are often able to avoid narcotics in part, or sometimes altogether.
Additionally, the work you do afterward in physical therapy is as important as the surgery itself for your recovery. Post-op physical therapy is critical to helping repair your rotator cuff and restore full use of your shoulder. To learn more about physical therapy protocols for rotator cuff tears, watch our Rotator Cuff Tear Protocols video featuring Michael Hoag, PT, DPT, MBA, OCS, MTC.
Rotator Cuff Tear & Injury Treatment in Knoxville, TN and the Knox County Area
Don't let shoulder pain limit your life. If you're experiencing symptoms of a rotator cuff tear or injury, such as pain, weakness, or limited range of motion, it's important to seek professional medical advice. At OrthoKnox, Dr. David Hovis and our experienced orthopedic specialists can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Call us at 865.251.3030 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online to learn more about your options and take the first step toward a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
EXCELLENT. I can't say enough good things...[My provider] was kind, caring, compassionate, knowledgeable, explained my options now and in the future…Very personable. Any patient would be extremely blessed to have him as your provider. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
— J.R.
The staff and the doctors are friendly and caring. They listen to what you have to say and answer your questions so that you understand. I highly recommend ORTHOKNOX!
— S.W.
My son suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus and broken cartilage in the high school football playoffs last season. Dr.Hovis performed surgery and my son was able to play the first game of the season this year! Dr. Hovis was great! We appreciate him so much!
— L.A.
Excellent experience. Mike took great care of me and was very thorough helping me figure out a complicated problem. 10/10 would recommend.
— S.G.
Neil is patient, responds to all my questions, provides objective options and delivers compassionate care. Never once did I feel rushed or uninformed.
— K.U.
My physical therapist was knowledgeable and personable and made me feel at ease throughout the entire session. I appreciated the thorough explanation of the treatment plan and the clear instructions on how to continue the exercises at home. I highly recommend this physical therapist to anyone needing care.
— W.C.
OrthoKnox is an excellent place. I had total knee replacement 3 weeks ago, and I am recovering beautifully. All my friends and family cannot believe how far I’ve come in just 3 weeks. The staff is very kind, caring and take the time to ensure that all my concerns, fears and questions are resolved. Dr. Hovis and his PA, Neil Stoner, are the best.
— P.S.
Instantly felt at ease and reassured with my daughter’s care. Professional, informative and great bedside manner!
— M.P.
Everyone here has been amazing since first coming in through diagnosis, surgery, and now the recovery phase. Couldn't recommend these people enough.
— D.I.
All the doctors and staff at OrthoKnox including those in the physical therapy department, are very caring, and competent. I have been very satisfied with both the surgery outcome as well as the recovery. One nice thing is there is very little wait time after you arrive at your appointed time.
— G.V.
Very friendly and prompt! Always a good experience at this office. Lovely staff!
— R.B.
Laura has been great! She has been extremely friendly and professional at every visit. She has helped me make substantial improvement in my injury.
— W.O.
Delightful, helpful, encouraging, professional group. I am very grateful for their kindness.
— G.M.
Dr. Hovis has taken care of me the past 12 years. Started out with knee surgery and later in life with a shoulder that needed an injection. I would never go anywhere else because he is the best, and he cares. My last visit a couple of months ago was like seeing a family member again. You’re in good hands here.
— J.S.
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