Rotator Cuff Injury

Jonathan Oheb, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon & Hand Surgeon located in Beverly Hills, CA & Encino, CA

Your rotator cuff is responsible for supporting your shoulder through its full range of motion, so it’s no surprise that an injured rotator cuff is a common source of shoulder pain. Dr. Jonathan Oheb has extensive experience getting to the cause of your shoulder pain and providing customized treatment that restores optimal movement and prevents progressive damage. If you have questions about a possible rotator cuff injury, call one of his offices in Beverly Hills, Encino, and Mission Hills, California, or book an appointment online.

Rotator Cuff Injury Q & A

What is the rotator cuff?

rotator cuff photo

A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint while allowing the shoulder’s full range of motion. The shoulder joint includes the top of your humerus (upper arm bone), your shoulder blade, and the clavicle (collarbone). The rotator cuff also holds your upper arm in the joint.

What causes rotator cuff injuries?

The most common rotator cuff injury is a partial or complete tear of the muscles or tendons. You may suffer an:

Acute tear: caused by a sudden injury, such as falling on an outstretched arm
Degenerative tear: a tear gradually develops from daily wear-and-tear

Degenerative damage to your rotator cuff occurs over years, so your risk increases as you get older. Other causes of degenerative problems include:

Repetitive stress: an injury due to repeating the same shoulder motion
Bone spurs: bone overgrowth develops where tendons constantly rub against bones
Lack of blood: the blood supply to the rotator cuff diminishes over time, leading to degenerative damage

What are the symptoms of rotator cuff injury?

Pain is the primary symptom of an injured rotator cuff. You may feel pain when lifting or lowering your arm or while you’re at rest.

You may also develop weakness that affects lifting or rotating your arm. Many patients develop crepitus, which is a crackling sensation you hear when you move your shoulder.

How are rotator cuff injuries treated?

It’s important to have your shoulder evaluated when you experience pain or weakness because untreated rotator cuff tears often get larger over time.

Whenever possible, Dr. Oheb starts your treatment with conservative measures. Your plan could include rest, activity modification, and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles, improve movement, and restore optimal function.

If you have a complete tear, significant weakness or your symptoms don’t improve after about 6-12 months of conservative treatment, Dr. Oheb may recommend surgery to trim away, reattach, or repair the damaged tissues.

Should you need surgery, you can count on Dr. Oheb’s expertise during the procedure and ongoing guidance throughout your rehabilitation afterward.

Patients drive from all around Los Angeles County just to see Dr. Oheb. Patients travel from areas such as West Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, Reseda, Lake Balboa, Woodland Hills, Hidden Hills, Chatsworth, North Hills, Panorama City, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Mission Hills, San Fernando, Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, Sylmar, Santa Clarita, Burbank, and Glendale just to see him.

When you develop pain or limited movement in your shoulder, call Dr. Oheb, or use online booking to schedule an appointment.

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