Can you tear a rotator cuff by lifting?

If you fall down on your outstretched arm or lift something too heavy with a jerking motion, you can tear your rotator cuff. This type of tear can occur with other shoulder injuries, such as a broken collarbone or dislocated shoulder.

How do you nurse a rotator cuff injury?

How is a rotator cuff injury treated?

applying hot or cold packs to the affected shoulder to reduce swelling.
exercises to restore strength and range of motion.
injecting the affected area with cortisone, a steroid that helps to reduce inflammation.
resting the affected arm and wearing a sling to isolate arm motions.

How do you nurse a shoulder injury?

Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. If there is no swelling, you can put moist heat, a heating pad, or a warm cloth on your shoulder. Some doctors suggest alternating between hot and cold.

How do you rest your arm with a torn rotator cuff?

While holding a warm, wet towel on your shoulder, lean forward so your arm hangs freely, and gently swing your arm back and forth like a pendulum. You also can do this standing under a warm shower. Do not do anything that makes your pain worse.

Should you wear a brace for a torn rotator cuff?

The initial treatment for rotator cuff injuries involves pain control and relative rest. Adequate pain management is typically achieved with anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections. The patient may need to wear a brace or sling to limit shoulder movement.

Can a torn rotator cuff be repaired after surgery?

A tear may be partial, with some of the tendon still intact. Or it may be a complete tear, with the tendon fully torn. Both types can cause pain and weakness, and limit arm and shoulder movement. A rotator cuff tear often needs treatment to heal properly.

Can a torn rotator cuff cause shoulder pain?

The muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff also help the shoulder joint with certain movements. These include reaching the arm over the head and rotating the arm. Any one of the rotator cuff tendons can fray or tear from causes such as injury and overuse.

Can a torn rotator cuff cause limited mobility?

A torn rotator cuff injury can cause pain and limited mobility. The options for having a continued quality of life are either surgery or physical therapy. Here’s my experience… The shoulder is the most complex joint in the human body. It is designed to be able to rotate in all directions.

How does the rotator cuff help the shoulder joint?

What to do with a torn rotator cuff?

For a partial tear, your healthcare provider may only need to trim fraying pieces of a partially torn tendon. This debridement procedure keeps the shoulder ball and socket from catching on the tendon and tearing it more. After surgery, you need to wear a sling to immobilize your arm for four to six weeks. You can then start physical therapy.

When to return to work after a rotator cuff tear?

Returning to Work: A patient with a small tear, and/or low demand work, can usually return to work within 3 weeks. They will still have restrictions on lifting and overhead use. Patients with higher demand jobs or repetitive arm use need at least 6 weeks. Any heavy labor with overhead lifting can take at least 4-6 months.

What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?

Signs of a rotator cuff tear include: Difficulty and pain caused by raising your arm. Popping or clicking sounds or sensations when moving your arm. Shoulder pain that worsens at night or when resting your arm. Shoulder weakness and struggling to lift items.