How to Determine the Best Time for Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator cuff surgery can change somebody’s life. However, you never want to undergo unnecessary surgery. There are too many risks involved and the rehabilitation isn’t something you want to do unless you have to. So how do you know if you should go through with it? Consider the following information when you want to determine the best time for rotator cuff surgery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get as much information as you can about rotator cuff surgery. Your doctor will be your best resource for information because they know the details of your particular case. You can also read books and visit Web sites like Yahoo Health and Orthogate to research rotator cuff surgery (see Resources).

2. If your rotator cuff has torn because of overuse or wear and tear, you may be a candidate for surgery. Some of the symptoms for a torn rotator cuff include pain (especially when reaching overhead or behind), stiffness, poor mobility and discomfort when sleeping on a particular side.

3. Opt for surgery if the pain in your shoulder interferes with your day-to-day life. If the pain from your rotator cuff injury makes it difficult to function normally, you are a prime candidate for rotator cuff surgery.

4. Have rotator cuff surgery if your shoulder is too weak to function normally. If you are having trouble lifting objects that you normally would not have trouble lifting or moving, you may need rotator cuff surgery.

5. Get rotator cuff surgery if physical therapy is not relieving the pain caused by a torn or strained rotator cuff. Physical therapy can be utilized to fix some less-severe injuries. If physical therapy is not working or has made the injury worse, you may need surgery.

6. Have surgery if an injury has occurred in the course of work or play and this injury has put undue pressure on the rotator cuff causing it to rip or strain. Your doctor will know if the rip or strain cannot be repaired with physical therapy.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot move your shoulder at all and there is a great deal of pain, there is a chance that the tendons may be fully ripped.
• Every surgery carries a risk of infection, though it is a minor risk if proper care is taken.
• If you know you have an injury but it isn’t causing you undue pain, you might consider having it preemptively operated on to make sure it is fixed. This takes care of any scheduling woes that you might have.
• As in any surgery, there is a small risk of a patient having some kind of adverse reaction to anesthesia.

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