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A rotator cuff tear can occur due to injury or through deterioration over time. Many athletes experience this injury, especially those involved in sports that require throwing and other overhead activities. Older adults can also develop degenerative rotator cuff tears, which happen slowly over the years and are generally not accompanied by any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, individuals will experience sharp and intermittent pain that progresses into a constant ache, as well as arm weakness.
In most cases, rotator cuff tears do not require surgery and can heal on their own with conservative treatment, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Steroid injections
If your pain and weakness persists after a few months of conservative treatment, you may want to consider your surgical options. At Florida Medical Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine, our sports medicine specialist, Dr. Ira Guttentag, M.D., F.A.C.S., performs minimally invasive rotator cuff tear treatment for his patients. This innovative technique is used for very specific types of tears, and is usually recommended for younger, more active individuals who want to return to their full range of motion.
Dr. Guttentag has served as the Medical Director and Head Team Physician for the Tampa Bay Lightning since 2002, so he has vast experience working with the most elite of athletes. He’s committed to providing treatment that gets his patients back to the activities they love quickly, and this is why he specializes in minimally invasive surgeries. When compared to those who undergo traditional surgery, his patients typically experience faster recovery times and less postoperative pain and scarring.
Contact Florida Medical Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Guttentag and learn more about your treatment options for a rotator cuff tear.
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