Unfortunately, rotator cuff tears are a common problem among adults over the age of 40. A torn rotator cuff results in a weakened shoulder, so daily activities like combing your hair or getting dressed may become difficult or impossible, and they will definitely be painful.
If you have experienced a tear in your rotator cuff, do not wait any longer to seek treatment. Get a referral from your primary care physician to discuss with Dr. Swafford which treatment options may be the most beneficial for you and get your rotator cuff tear back to full functionality sooner rather than later!
What is a Rotator Cuff?
A rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that come together as tendons to hold your shoulder in place. As the name suggests, the rotator cuff helps to rotate the arm, but it also helps to raise the arm, which is why a tear can be so impactful. A tear in the rotator cuff usually starts small with just a little bit of fraying, but lifting a heavy object may prompt the tear to become complete, and thus it becomes serious.
What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear?
There are multiple reasons why a rotator cuff might tear, as well as multiple types of tears. These include:
- Acute Tear
- May be caused by a broken collarbone or a dislocated shoulder
- Degenerative Tear
- Usually, the result of a wearing down of the tendon slowly over time. Repetitive stress, lack of blood supply, and bone spurs may contribute.
A degenerative tear is the most common, and anyone over the age of 40 is at a greater risk of a tear than those younger than 40. Athletes are especially vulnerable to degenerative tears.
If you have experienced a rotator cuff tear or think you are at risk, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Swafford would love to discuss all of the treatment options available to you, as well as giving you some advice on how you might be able to avoid a rotator cuff tear in the future if you have not had one already.
How to Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Swafford
Dr. Swafford is a referral-based physician, so in order to schedule a consultation at his Bakersfield office, you will first need to acquire a referral from your primary physician. If you already have a referral for your rotator cuff tear, call us today to get started!
