Pain and weakness in your shoulder can be caused by a number of conditions.
One common shoulder problem we treat at Capital Orthopaedics is a rotator cuff tear. The group of tendons that connect the muscles around your shoulder to the bones of your joint can get torn as a result of a traumatic injury or wear and tear. Symptoms can include difficulty reaching behind your back, a dull ache deep in the joint, and a feeling of weakness in your arm.
The Capital Orthopaedics team – headed up by renowned orthopaedic surgeon Simon Moyes – offers state-of-the-art diagnostic scans, expert consultancy and the very best treatment for rotator cuff tears. Our team is made up of highly experienced consultant surgeons, radiologists, physiotherapists and nurses – dedicated to offering you effective treatment with the shortest possible recovery time.
If you have torn rotator cuff symptoms or any shoulder pain, contact Simon Moyes and Capital Orthopaedics to book a consultation.
Your shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body, requiring a number of different muscles to enable it to move in different directions. Stretchy tendons connect these muscles connect to the bones of your shoulder, forming a tube called the rotator cuff.
The rotator cuff tendons can get completely or partially torn, causing pain and inflammation in your shoulder and reduced range of motion.
If you have a rotator cuff injury, you may experience:
For any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible, as the condition can lead to other problems such as arthritis.
The tendons of your rotator cuff can be torn as a result of a traumatic injury to your shoulder (such as a fall or a collision), or due to repetitive actions (wear and tear).
Arthritis in your shoulder joint can lead to rotator cuff tears, as the tendons rub against damaged bone surfaces or bony lumps called bone spurs.
It’s more common in people who play contact sports like rugby, throwing or overarm sports (like cricket or tennis), weight lifting, or those who do a lot of overhead movements as part of their job (such as decorators). Other risk factors include having a family history of the conditions, and age (it’s more common in the over-60s).
We assess the severity of a rotator cuff tear using MRI (magnetic resolution imaging) or ultrasound scans. X-rays may also be used to review bone damage.
Depending on the severity of the tear, we offer a range of non-surgical and surgical treatments, including:
Exercises to improve movement and strengthen the muscles around your shoulder. Massage may also be used to improve blood flow and encourage healing. Keeping your shoulder mobile is important to prevent the connective tissue around the joint (capsule) from thickening, resulting in frozen shoulder.
Steroid injections can help reduce pain and inflammation. Plasma injections may be used to stimulate healing.
There are a number of surgical options for rotator cuff tears. These are carried out arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) or using minimally invasive techniques to ensure quicker healing and shorter recovery times.
Capital Orthopaedics is highly experienced at resolving rotator cuff tears – always opting for our highly effective non-surgical treatment plans before offering surgery. We aim to carry out keyhole and minimally invasive surgery if at all possible – ensuring that you have quick recovery times and get back to your activities and sport in the shortest time possible. Our physiotherapists are all sports medicine experts who have a background in supporting professional sportspeople through their rehabilitation, so you can expect highly effective treatment programmes.
Based in three London locations, we offer dedicated physiotherapy clinics, the latest diagnostic equipment and cutting edge surgical techniques. Find us at The Cromwell Hospital near Earls Court, The Platinum Medical Centre near Regent’s Park and The Basinghall Clinic in The City. Click here for location details.
For more information on any musculoskeletal problems, shoulder injuries and rotator cuff tears, contact Simon Moyes and the Capital Orthopaedics.
We treat rotator cuff tears and other shoulder conditions, including:
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