Rotator Cuff Tear
Los Angeles
What is a rotator cuff tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that cover the head of the humerus (upper end of the arm). The rotator cuff tendons help lift and rotate the arm at the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff tear is a common injury in repetitive overhead activity sports such as volleyball, baseball and tennis and in occupations that require lifting the arms over the head. This type of injury occurs when the tendons become partially or completely frayed or damaged.
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
- Deep dull ache in the shoulder
- Arm weakness
- Pain that disturbs your sleep, particularly if you lie on your shoulder
- Difficulty reaching behind your back or raising your arm
- Inability to lift things as you normally do
- Clicking or popping when you move your arm
What causes rotator cuff tears?
Acute rotator cuff tears can occur with incidents such as falling on your arm and can also occur chronically with repetitive motions. They occur most frequently among people who perform overhead motions in sports or with work.
What treatment options are available?
If the symptoms persist, it is recommended to schedule a consultation for rotator cuff treatment in Los Angeles with Dr. Yoon. A comprehensive evaluation will be performed and a treatment plan can then be discussed based on the findings.
What are rotator cuff tears?
The rotator cuff comprises four tendons around the shoulder joint that help lift and rotate the arm. Tears occur when one or more tendons become partially or completely damaged.
What symptoms suggest a rotator cuff tear?
Deep ache in shoulder, weakness in the arm, trouble sleeping especially when lying on the affected side, difficulty raising the arm, reaching behind your back, or lifting objects. Clicking or popping may also occur.
What causes rotator cuff tears?
They can be due to acute injury (falling on your arm, etc.) or chronic overuse, especially in sports or jobs involving repetitive overhead or lifting motions.
What treatment options are available?
Non‐surgical approaches exist, but depending on the injury, surgical repair may be considered. Dr. Yoon offers consultations to evaluate and recommend the best plan.
How does a rotator cuff tear affect day-to-day life, and when is surgery needed?
If pain, weakness, or loss of function significantly interfere with daily tasks, or non-surgical options fail, surgery might be necessary. The decision depends on tear size, location, patient activity level, and response to conservative care.
What is the prognosis / recovery process?
Recovery depends on the injury, goals, and the plan of care. Some approaches may take days to weeks while others may take many months. Discussing all the options during the consultation with Dr. Yoon will clarify that timeline.