Do you feel pain as you’re throwing the ball? Or perhaps your strength has decreased recently. Click here to learn how rotator cuff injuries may be impacting your performance on the baseball field.
If you feel pain or stiffness when you raise your arm above your head, you’re far from alone. According to estimates, 460,000 Americans have surgery for a rotator cuff injury each year.
The term “rotator cuff” refers to a group of tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder blade. Fortunately, most rotator cuff injuries don’t require surgery, as many are manageable with conservative treatment methods. Symptoms of rotator cuff injuries include:
- Weakness in the shoulder
- Popping noises when engaging the shoulder
- Shoulder pain that flares up at night
Our experts at Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates understand how rotator cuff injuries can impact your performance on the field, and they diagnose and treat these injuries regularly. Read on to get a better understanding of how to prevent and treat problems with your rotator cuff.
Preventing rotator cuff injuries when playing baseball
Baseball players tend to develop rotator cuff injuries due to overusing the rotator cuff muscles when training for prolonged periods. The most common types of rotator cuff injuries include:
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Tendon strains
- Tendon tears
Overuse injuries are largely preventable if players get enough rest between training sessions. However, strength also plays a big part in prevention. As muscles become stronger, the risk of injuring or irritating them reduces. You may be able to prevent injuries by engaging in strength training regularly, as well as warming up before each practice and game.
Diet also plays an important part in preventing injuries. Proper protein intake is particularly important, as all muscles are made of protein and require protein to stay strong and healthy.
Treating and managing rotator cuff injuries
Depending on the severity of your injury, our experts may recommend:
- Rest
- Ice
- Immobilization
- Pain management medications
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
However, if you have a tear in your tendons bigger than one inch, our surgical team may advise arthroscopic surgery as the best option. Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure in which your doctor makes three or four small incisions in your shoulder. They use a pencil-sized instrument with a camera and light to see inside and use slim tools to make the necessary repairs. Because these incisions are smaller, the recovery time for the procedure is reduced, as are the risks of blood loss and infections.
Our staff at Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates uses imaging techniques to get a clear picture of what’s causing your symptoms. We have the latest medicines and surgical procedures to manage your pain and help you get back in the game. Whether you want to prevent or treat rotator cuff injuries, contact us to schedule an appointment at our office in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
