Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries, ranging from inflammation to partial or full tears, are a common cause of shoulder pain. These injuries may occur after repetitive overhead movements or a traumatic event such as a fall. At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our specialists focus on restoring shoulder strength, reducing pain, and improving daily function.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Understanding when symptoms began and how they have progressed is an important first step. Rotator cuff problems can appear suddenly after an injury or develop slowly over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
- Shoulder weakness or fatigue during daily tasks
- Nighttime discomfort, especially when lying on the affected side
- Clicking, catching, or a sensation of “sticking” with movement
During your visit at The Medical Group of New Jersey, your provider will examine the shoulder for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and muscle strength. They will also review your activity levels, work demands, and any history of overuse to identify which tendon or structure may be affected.
Diagnosis
After the physical exam, imaging tests help confirm the extent of injury and guide your treatment plan. Each type of imaging provides unique information about shoulder structures and injury severity.
Diagnostic testing may include:
- X-ray: Identifies arthritis, bone spurs, or changes that may contribute to tendon irritation.
- Ultrasound: Detects inflammation, tendon fraying, and fluid around the joint.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides the most detailed information about partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tears.
The goal of diagnostic testing is to determine whether conservative treatment is likely to be successful or if surgical consultation should be considered early.
Treatment
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment focuses on reducing pain, restoring mobility, and improving shoulder strength. Most patients begin with conservative care, which can be highly effective for many types of rotator cuff injuries.
Non-Surgical Management
Many individuals experience significant improvement with:
- Physical therapy: Builds strength in the rotator cuff and surrounding stabilizing muscles.
- Activity modification: Reduces strain on the shoulder during recovery.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen to relieve pain.
- Corticosteroid injections: May be recommended if pain is severe and limits participation in therapy.
Surgical Care
Surgery is considered when the tear is large, symptoms persist, or shoulder weakness prevents normal function. Surgical options may include:
- Repairing a full-thickness tear
- Removing bone spurs or inflamed tissue
- Reattaching the tendon to the bone
Your care team will discuss these options in detail, considering your goals, lifestyle, and expected recovery needs.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
Recovering from a rotator cuff injury—whether treated conservatively or surgically—requires careful monitoring and ongoing support. Follow-up visits help ensure healing is progressing as expected.
During these visits, your provider will:
- Assess pain levels, strength, and shoulder mobility
- Adjust rehabilitation exercises as needed
- Provide guidance on activity modifications and return-to-work timelines
- Determine whether additional interventions are needed
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our coordinated approach ensures that physical therapy, imaging, and specialty care work together to support your long-term shoulder health and prevent reinjury.