Dallas Rotator Cuff Surgeon
Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries, affecting a wide range of individuals, from athletes to those with sedentary lifestyles. This condition involves damage to the rotator cuff muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, often resulting in shoulder pain, arm weakness, shoulder instability, and limited range of motion. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for a rotator cuff injury, including conservative treatment, rotator cuff repair surgery, and shoulder replacement surgery, is essential for adequate recovery. Addressing these factors with the help of a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder care can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and restore shoulder strength and function, enabling a full range of normal activities with less postoperative pain and recovery time.
The Procedures & Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Injury
If your torn rotator cuff requires surgical treatment, it involves reattaching the torn rotator cuff tendon to the upper arm bone (humerus). This is commonly achieved through arthroscopic repair, a minimally invasive technique performed arthroscopically using small incisions on an outpatient basis, which results in less post-operative pain and a quicker recovery. In cases of severe tears or a complete tear, open surgery may be necessary. Regardless of the surgical approach, the post-operative period is crucial for optimal healing and to prevent a potential re-tear, with post-operative pain managed through medications and physical therapy.
Rotator cuff tear surgery repairs damage in one or more of the rotator cuff tendons, which provide stability to the shoulder joint and enable a wide range of movements. The procedure reattaches the tendon tissue to the upper arm, addressing full-thickness tears or partial-thickness tears, depending on their severity. Arthroscopic surgery remains the preferred method for most tears in the rotator cuff; however, open procedures may be warranted in cases of degenerative tears or when tendon transfer is necessary.
Your Dallas rotator cuff surgeon, a fellowship-trained specialist in sports medicine care, has provided some general guidelines to help you recover more efficiently here; however, you are encouraged to follow any specific guidelines from your provider, especially for patients with rotator cuff disease, rotator cuff tendinopathy, or other shoulder conditions such as frozen shoulder.
FAQS
General Post Operative Care for Rotator Cuff Tears
What to Eat or Drink Following Your Procedure
There are no restrictions on your diet following the torn rotator cuff surgery, but there are some things you can do to reduce feelings of nausea or digestive discomfort:
- Most patients find that a diet consisting of light foods and clear liquids is best in the first 24-48 hours following surgery. Crackers, soups, plain rice, oatmeal and water can all be good choices.
- You may want to avoid heavy, greasy foods while taking prescription pain medications. These medications can contribute to nausea, and heavy foods may make this worse.
- Stay hydrated during the recovery process. If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, contact our office for guidance.
Caring for Incisions
Your incisions require special care to promote efficient healing and reduce the risk of infection. Your Dallas rotator cuff doctor will provide specific care instructions, but below is some general guidance for incision care following rotator cuff tear surgery:
- Your incisions have been covered with a dressing by your specialist. Leave this dressing in place until your follow-up appointment. Our care team will remove it for you.
- Your dressing may become saturated with a small amount of blood or other fluids. If this happens, leave the dressing in place. Cover it with sterile gauze and contact our office.
- You can prevent infections by keeping your incisions dry. After 24 hours, you may take a shower, but please avoid getting your incisions wet. Cover the area with waterproof plastic and avoid immersing the incision site in water. Do not take a bath, get in a pool, or use a hot tub.
- Do not apply topical products to your incisions except for products ordered by your shoulder doctor. This means no creams, lotions, or other skincare products.
- We will remove your stitches or sutures approximately 1 to 2 weeks following surgery. Following removal, most patients can resume normal showering; however, you will still want to avoid immersing the surgical site in water.
Pain and Medication Guidelines
The following are general guidelines for aftercare following medication use. Your Dallas rotator cuff surgeon will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions, and procedure.
- The numbing medication used during your procedure will start to wear off within 6-10 hours. During this time, you may begin to feel pain that peaks around day 2-3.
- Take all prescribed medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain relievers, as directed by your orthopedic surgeon and according to the instructions on the label. If you experience itching around the incision site, refrain from scratching it. Some patients find relief from lightly rubbing the area.
- You may experience side effects from prescription pain medications that include disorientation and drowsiness. It’s recommended to have a caregiver with you during your early recovery to handle basic tasks while you rest.
- If you experience heavy nausea or vomiting, contact our office for guidance.
- Do not drive under the influence of pain medications. Your specialist will tell you when it is safe to resume driving.
- Some patients may be at a greater risk of developing blood clots following surgery. Inform your doctor about the risk factors and any concerns you may have. A low-dose aspirin may be prescribed to reduce your risk.
Your Mobility Following Surgery to Repair Rotator Cuff Tears
- Rest with the operative shoulder supported in the sling that was placed following surgery. You can ease pain by placing a pillow under your forearm while resting.
- Your sling will need to remain in place for 4-6 weeks. Do not remove it or make adjustments without guidance.
- Avoid activities that put repetitive stress on your shoulder, such as reaching overhead, pushing, pulling, or sleeping on the operated side for the first 7-14 days.
- When you return to work, you will want to be relieved of duties that require shoulder movements and outstretched arms for a temporary period. Discuss your accommodations with your workplace. Your doctor will be happy to provide documentation as needed.
Proper Usage of Your Sling
- The key to protecting your rotator cuff tear repair is to keep your shoulder immobilized. You can do this by keeping your sling on and in place until your surgeon clears you to remove it.
- If you are concerned about your ability to handle basic hygiene while wearing your sling, discuss your concerns with your doctor for additional guidance.
Use a Cold Pack for Swelling
- Patients can alleviate swelling and intense pain using cold therapy. A cooling device, ice or a cold pack can be beneficial when wrapped in a towel or plastic baggie and applied for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times a day.
- Always place a protective barrier, such as a towel or cloth, between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite.
Movement and Stretching Guidelines
- Finger and wrist flexion and extension exercises can begin 36 hours following your surgery. Avoid active shoulder movement or resistance to protect the rotator cuff repair. If a movement causes extreme rotator cuff pain, discontinue the movement and contact our office.
- Perform prescribed exercises 2-3 times daily to promote circulation and prevent stiffness.
- Gentle, frequent hand and wrist movements throughout the day can reduce the risk of circulatory complications and improve arm strength.
- Our office can help you schedule an appointment if physical therapy program has been ordered following your surgery.
CALL US IF…
Reach out right away if you notice:
- Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
- Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
- Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
- Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
- Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.
Living with a rotator cuff injury can be frustrating. You don’t have to endure the pain. Schedule an appointment today with your Dallas rotator cuff surgeon!
Contact Dallas rotator cuff specialist Dr. Steven J. Thornton to learn about effective treatment strategies and start your journey towards a healthier, more active shoulder.
In addition to treating rotator cuff injuries, our team also provides care for a wide range of shoulder conditions, including AC joint injuries, shoulder instability, frozen shoulder, labral (SLAP) tears, and shoulder impingement.