What is a Shoulder Tear?

Treatment of Shoulder Tears: Effective Methods for Relief from Complaints

Shoulder tear; It occurs as injuries caused by tearing and rupture of anatomical structures in the shoulder. Reverse, sudden and fast movements can trigger this condition. Symptoms of the disease; It may occur with a pain in the outer part of the arm. This pain seen in shoulder tears can reach from the fingers of the hand to the level of the ear.

Different imaging modalities are used to examine this treatment. The first of these is magnetic resonance imaging, which is expensive and takes a long time. Another cheap and easy method is ultrasonography. This condition is frequently encountered in athletes.

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What is a Shoulder Tear?

The shoulder joint in the region has more muscle than others. As the bone ratio is weaker, it becomes vulnerable to disorders such as shoulder tears. In this case, the symptoms of a shoulder tear are more difficult to heal.

Shoulder tear injuries are highly likely to be caused by aging as the body’s healing power decreases with advancing age. However, it can also occur due to sudden reactions or strain in sports activities. Apart from these, individuals who do heavy work also need treatment if a shoulder tear occurs.

The diagnosis is first revealed by physical examination. Later, if needed, the diagnosis can be clarified with magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography. It is possible to regain your health with physical therapy exercises and your doctor’s treatments.

Shoulder Tear Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of a shoulder tear vary depending on the patient’s experience, the size and type of tear. But the general symptoms are listed as follows;

  • Pain in the shoulder, the intensity of which varies according to the patient,
  • Limitation of movement in the shoulder area, different sounds coming from the joints with movement,
  • Loss of strength against objects in the shoulder

Symptoms such as those listed above appear.

The diagnosis is based on the patient’s work, life activities and previous history of shoulder discomfort. With a physical examination, the doctor palpates the area of the shoulder tear that hurts, swells or reacts differently. After the checks, the patient should be sent for imaging tests. Here, some tests are performed with imaging devices for the shoulder tear area. According to the imaging test results, the doctor provides controls. He starts to apply the necessary treatment for the patient. According to the results, surgery, physical therapy, exercise, medication, etc… methods are used to cure the disease.

Conservative Treatment Options

The first treatment methods that the doctor will direct in the treatment of shoulder tears are conservative, that is, non-surgical treatments. The aim of these treatments is to relieve the patient’s pain and increase the mobility of the shoulder joints. In the early stages, the treatment of shoulder tear is a treatment that is suitable for application and has a positive result. It is also used in cases where surgical procedure involves risk. Since the patient does not need surgery, both financial and moral reasons are welcomed on both sides.

Conservative treatments;

  • Medications; It is applied to reduce pain and dry it in case of inflammation.
  • Rest; It is for the body to renew itself due to rest.
  • Supplements; It is useful to use in this process due to some cell regenerating properties containing vitamins and minerals beneficial to the body.
  • Physical Therapy and Exercises; Electrical current, hot and cold applications, exercise movements, etc… It enables the patient to recover by increasing the patient’s mobility with physical therapy applications.
  • Medical Equipment; When necessary, it is possible to heal with medical splints such as shoulder straps, arm straps.

Surgical Intervention

In the treatment of shoulder tears, surgical treatment options are applied when conservative treatment is not sufficient. This treatment method includes repair of the shoulder tear or prosthesis implantation. Treatment is performed with arthroscopic surgeries or openly. Even if surgery is performed to provide range of motion in the joints, the muscles in that area should continue to be strengthened with physical therapy.

After the surgical procedure, the patient’s rate of recovery from a vertebral tear may vary depending on age, gender, occupation, etc. The patient should stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery. In the following processes, it should be used in the shoulder area for the period determined by the doctor with the support of a medical splint and should not be used actively to tire the shoulder tear area. After the surgery, the chance of recovery will increase with physical therapy. In cases where arthroscopic surgeries have not been successful or in very advanced cases, the shoulder joint should be replaced with a prosthesis.

Alternative Treatment Approaches

Alternative treatment approaches are possible in the treatment of shoulder tears. These supportive therapies include yoga, acupuncture, physical therapy, massage therapy and osteopathy, as well as alternative methods such as yoga, acupuncture, physical therapy, massage therapy and osteopathy. These methods, which are quite common in the treatment of shoulder tears in alternative medicine, are often used in combination with other treatments.

Injection therapies can also be applied to reduce inflammation in the damaged joint, accelerate the healing process and provide more efficient treatment. Good results are obtained with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and Corticosteroid injections. With these methods, it is possible to postpone the time required for surgery or alleviate the symptoms of shoulder tear.

Prevention and Consequence

The causes of shoulder tears vary not only due to age but also due to incorrect movements, overloading the joints, lack of exercise and living conditions. To prevent this situation;

  • Exercise in these areas
  • Keeping our body away from heavy and repetitive loads
  • Using our joints in the right way, our shoulder joints are free of mobility and comfortable to use

Starting treatment early helps patients recover faster from shoulder tears. Unfortunately, smoking and age are negative factors in the treatment. In order to prevent the shoulder joint from becoming weak, patients should increase the movement of the shoulder muscles and shoulder joints with passive exercises and movements they can learn from physiotherapists that they can apply at home. It varies for each patient depending on factors such as living conditions, age and occupation. For this reason, it is very important for the patient to act together with his/her own doctor for treatment.

Remember that timely diagnosis is very important. With appropriate and adequate treatments, it is quite possible to recover effortlessly. Stay healthy!

Picture of Op. Dr. Özgür Oktay Nar

Op. Dr. Özgür Oktay Nar

Op. Dr. Özgür Oktay Nar, specialized in orthopedics and traumatology, is experienced in foot and ankle surgery, sports injuries and minimally invasive surgery. In his private practice, he offers personalized treatment plans to his patients and applies the most up-to-date treatment methods for a healthy and active life.

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