Table of Contents
- 1 What causes a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon?
- 2 What exercises should you avoid with a supraspinatus tear?
- 3 Why is the supraspinatus tendon most commonly injured?
- 4 Can a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon heal without surgery?
- 5 Does a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon need surgery?
- 6 How serious is a full thickness rotator cuff tear?
- 7 Does a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon require surgery?
- 8 Can physical therapy help a full thickness rotator cuff tear?
What causes a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon?
Supraspinatus tear can be caused by lifting something too heavy, falling on your arm, or dislocating your shoulder. However, host cases are the result of the tendon wearing down over time, which is known as a degenerative tear. You’re more likely to be at risk of a supraspinatus tear if: you’re over the age of 40.
What exercises should you avoid with a supraspinatus tear?
Avoid any extreme ranges of motion in your shoulders. Exercises like behind-the-neck shoulder presses, upright rows, or any exercises that require you to use your upper arms behind your torso. When attempting any exercises with an injured shoulder, make sure you keep your range of motion limited to what’s comfortable.
What causes a full thickness rotator cuff tear?
Injury and degeneration are the two main causes of rotator cuff tears. Rotator cuff tears are associated with older patients, a history of trauma and mostly affect the dominant arm. The most common risk factors for a tear consist of a history of trauma, dominant arm and age.
Why is the supraspinatus tendon most commonly injured?
The supraspinatus tendon is the most commonly injured tendon of the four tendons because it lies predominantly in the space between the acromion and the humeral head.
Can a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon heal without surgery?
Even though most tears cannot heal on their own, good function can often be achieved without surgery. If, however, you are active and use your arm for overhead work or sports, then surgery is most often recommended because many tears will not heal without surgery.
How do you treat a partial thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon?
Treatment of Partial Rotator Cuff Tears
- Stretching for five minutes every day to prevent stiffness.
- Applying ice packs for pain relief for 20 to 30 minutes as often as every two hours, if needed.
- Taking medication to help control pain.
Does a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon need surgery?
Full-thickness rotator cuff tears are diagnosed with the help of a thorough history and physical examination, as well as the use of imaging studies, most commonly, MRI. Symptomatic full thickness rotator cuff tears can be managed surgically. Surgical repair can often be performed arthroscopically.
How serious is a full thickness rotator cuff tear?
Scenario 3: the complete tear The rotator cuff could be fixed, but it will likely cause some lasting range of motion loss and potential pain at end range that pain will never go away. In fact, there is a chance that pain may worsen after surgery, but he will get most, if not all, of his functionality back.
What does full thickness tear of supraspinatus mean?
A partial tear of the rotator cuff is when the tendon is damaged but not completely ruptured (torn); a full thickness tear is where the tendon has torn completely through, often where it is attached to the top of the upper arm (humerus), making a hole in the tendon.
Does a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon require surgery?
Can physical therapy help a full thickness rotator cuff tear?
1 And these are people with no symptoms of shoulder pain or loss of shoulder and arm function. Physical therapy is often recommended as an initial treatment for a rotator cuff tear. However, physical therapy doesn’t help the torn rotator cuff tendon heal.
Do you need surgery for a full thickness rotator cuff tear?