Is Your Golf Game Off?: Maybe Shoulder Instability Is A Rotator Cuff Tear

Identifying And Treating Rotator Cuff Tears

Athletes, whether professional or amateur, are more prone to certain injuries. Shoulder instability, caused by repetitive movements that place excess strain on the joint and associated muscle or tendon and ligament groups, is an example. In some cases, shoulder instability may be a sign of a rotator cuff tear. Learning how to prevent the injury, identify the symptoms, and understand treatment options can keep golfers and other active people off the injured list and potentially minimize recovery time when such a situation does occur.

Rotator cuff injuries explained

Commonly occurring in athletes, people who hold jobs requiring repetitive movements, and the elderly, rotator cuff injuries are caused by ongoing wear and tear of the tendon. The result is shoulder pain and instability in the joint, sometimes leading to disability. Research suggests that around 2 million American adults will experience the condition annually. In most cases, the injury is caused by either overuse or degeneration. The latter would refer to individuals with reduced blood flow or people with bone spur growths. In other scenarios, the tendons holding the shoulder in place can fray or tear. Depending on the severity, the damage can either be partial or a full-thickness tear. Most people with a rotator cuff injury can recover with nonsurgical treatments. However, in 15-20% of reported cases, patients diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury will need surgical interventions.

Prevention is best

While most people can fully recover from a rotator cuff injury, depending on the severity of the damage, the recovery period can be lengthy. Athletes, regardless of experience level, should engage in proper warm-up activities before taking part in any sports activity. Options such as proper stretching to boost blood flow to the shoulder area and enhanced muscle flexibility are critical.

Improve joint stability

Another issue surrounding rotator cuff injuries is joint instability. Factors like poor posture or repetitive motions can all create misalignment that encourages damage. Participating in physical therapy (PT) to learn proper form and to safely strengthen the joint and associated ligament and tendon groups can reduce the risk of further or future injury. Strength training can enhance range of motion (ROM) and often relies on light resistance that safely isolates critical tendons to enhance durability.

Treating a tear

Although many people can recover from a rotator cuff tear with at-home rest, ice, and compression, some injuries will require medical interventions. A possible treatment option is to undergo platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP). The treatment leverages the regenerative powers of an individual’s plasma and platelets to speed wound healing. While PT is usually still required, research suggests that PRP is a solid non-surgical solution for many rotator cuff injuries. In other cases, minimally invasive rotator cuff repair surgery is needed to restore functionality.

Protecting a critical joint

Whether a person is an athlete or not, a rotator cuff injury is no small issue. Since the shoulder is a critical joint that people need for the most basic of movements, proactively protecting ROM and function is important. The smartest option is to take a preventative approach by avoiding excessive use, poor posture, or sudden movements that can create tears in the tendon. Still, other individuals may require PRP therapy or even surgery. If shoulder movements are causing new aches and pains while golfing or performing other activities, speak with an orthopedic surgeon to determine if a rotator cuff tear might be causing the problem.