Our shoulders get a lot of use. And like any joint that gets used on a daily basis, they’re particularly susceptible to injury. Sometimes rest and an ice pack are all that’s needed to get back to normal, but pain or stiffness in your rotator cuff that doesn’t go away can be a sign that it’s time for professional treatment.
What that treatment looks like depends on a few factors, including the type of rotator cuff injury you’ve experienced. To get the full picture, we talk with orthopedic surgeon Nicholas Weiss on the For Health’s Sake podcast. He explains:
- How the rotator cuff works and ways it can be injured
- Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury
- Risk factors for rotator cuff injuries
- When surgical or nonsurgical treatments are recommended
Find out what your shoulder needs
Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury shouldn’t be ignored – even if pain isn’t one of them. The longer a tear is ignored, the more severe it can get, and the more involved treatment and recovery may become. So if you have questions or concerns about your shoulder, talk to a doctor. They can test its strength, mobility and range of motion, then recommend additional tests or the best type of treatment.