What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff refers to the muscles and tendons that attach to the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff serves several purposes:
- Holds the upper arm in the shoulder socket
- Protects the shoulder joint
- Allows arm movement in multiple directions
Because the rotator cuff is used so heavily for carrying, lifting, pushing, throwing, and other motions of the upper arm, it’s prone to general wear and tear and other acute injuries.
What causes rotator cuff problems?
Any illness or injury that affects any part of the rotator cuff can cause problems such as pain and inflammation.
Some of the most common types of rotator cuff problems include:
- Tendon tear
- Inflammation of the shoulder tendons
- Irritation of the fluid-filled sacs in the shoulder
A confirmed diagnosis is necessary to determine the proper course of action.
How are rotator cuff injuries diagnosed?
You need to meet with a specialist to get a proper diagnosis for your rotator cuff pain. During your consultation appointment, your provider asks you a series of questions about your health, pain, and circumstances surrounding your rotator cuff issue.
Next, the team performs an exam to determine its strength, reflexes, and range of motion. Once your provider has an idea of what’s going on, they may order imaging tests and labs to confirm the diagnosis.
X-rays are usually the first step, but your provider may order a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to provide more detailed images. Once the problem is located, your practitioner can make a diagnosis.
What treatments are available for rotator cuff problems?
Jordan Bernard, ARNP, at Optimized Wellness focus on your body’s natural ability to heal itself. They use natural, non-surgical methods like prolozone therapy and PRP injections to stimulate permanent healing.
PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use platelets and growth factors from your own blood to encourage healing. Your provider draws your blood, runs it through a centrifuge to separate red blood cells from the plasma, and injects the plasma filled with platelets into the rotator cuff.
Prolozone Therapy
Prolozone therapy is a revolutionary form of regenerative medicine using ozone gases derived from pure oxygen to stimulate self-repair. Your provider injects ozone directly into the joint to boost the repair and regeneration processes.
If you experience rotator cuff pain or mobility issues, make an appointment at the Centennial, Colorado, clinic by calling or using the online scheduler.
