Your Trusted Shoulder Specialist Near Chicago, IL
Rotator Cuff Tear
The shoulder is a highly dynamic joint whose mobility allows us to wind up and pitch, swing a racket, lift things above our heads, and perform all kinds of tasks that get us through our daily activities. Unfortunately, the complexity of the shoulder joint and the amount of use we subject it to also make it susceptible to degenerative changes and injury, particularly in the area known as the rotator cuff.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our team sees patients with rotator cuff tears on a regular basis. In fact, it’s estimated that approximately 2 million Americans seek medical treatment for this condition each year. We’re passionate about using the most effective, most conservative, and least aggressive techniques available in the field. We’ll give you the support you need to return to the life you love with an accurate diagnosis, patient-focused care, and treatment plans designed to minimize your pain and accelerate your recovery.
If you’re ready to receive treatment for your rotator cuff tear from the most highly-trained providers in the greater Chicago area, don’t wait. Schedule your first appointment with the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists.
Rotator Cuff Treatment From Experienced Shoulder Specialists
Treating & Diagnosing a Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. These muscles and tendons work together to lift the arm and stabilize the shoulder joint. Over time, repetitive motion or acute trauma can cause the tendons to become irritated and inflamed, a condition known as tendinitis. If the condition is left untreated, the tendons can begin to tear.
A rotator cuff tear may be partial or complete, and the symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some of the most common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include:
- Pain in the shoulder, particularly when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
- Weakness in the arm or difficulty lifting things
- A crackling sensation when moving the arm
- Pain that worsens at night
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The sooner a rotator cuff tear is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff tears. We offer a full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments depending on the severity of the injury.
The most typical surgery recommended in the treatment of rotator cuff tears is known as rotator cuff repair. Rotator cuff repair surgery involves reattaching the torn tendon to the bone.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Who is at risk for sustaining a rotator cuff tear?
Anyone can develop a rotator cuff tear, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk. These include:
- Age: The risk of developing a rotator cuff tear increases as we age. This is due to the natural degenerative changes that occur in the tendons and muscles as we get older.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop a rotator cuff tear than women.
- Occupation: People who perform repetitive motions with their arms, such as painting or carpentry, are at an increased risk.
- Athletic activity: Athletes who participate in sports that involve overhead motions, such as baseball or tennis, are also at an increased risk.
Where is Barrington Orthopedic Specialists located?
Barrington Orthopedic Specialists has multiple conveniently accessible locations across the greater Chicago area. Our offices can be found in:
- Bartlett, IL
- Buffalo Grove, IL
- Elk Grove Village, IL
- Schaumburg, IL
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