Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment in Singapore
Rotator cuff injuries can cause significant pain and limit a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. From persistent shoulder pain to limited range of motion, the condition can become debilitating if left unattended.
Therefore, seeking early diagnosis and treatment from an experienced orthopaedic specialist in Singapore is essential to prevent further damage and facilitate a full recovery. With advanced repair and treatment techniques, patients can alleviate pain and regain their mobility.
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons help to stabilise the shoulder, rotate and lift the arm, and allow for a wide range of motion.
Irritation, tears, and damage to the rotator cuff can occur due to a variety of factors, including lifestyle habits and acute injuries. Some common causes include:
Overuse:
Repetitive motions, common in occupations like painting or carpentry, can strain the rotator cuff muscles and tendons, leading to injury.
Sports injuries:
High-impact sports or those involving overhead movements, like volleyball, swimming, and gym activities, can increase the risk of rotator cuff tears or strains.
Trauma:
A sudden injury, such as a fall or direct blow to the shoulder, can cause damage to the rotator cuff.
Degenerative wear and tear:
As people age, the rotator cuff tendons can weaken and degenerate, making them more susceptible to tears from everyday activities.
These causes can lead to various types of rotator cuff injuries:
Tendinitis:
Rotator cuff tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons in the rotator cuff, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
Tears:
A rotator cuff tear involves a rip in one or more of the tendons. Tears can be partial, in which only a portion of the tendon is affected. They can also be full-thickness, where the tendon is completely severed, requiring targeted treatment.
Inflammation:
Inflammation in the shoulder, such as bursitis (inflammation of the bursa sac), can occur alongside rotator cuff injuries and contribute to pain and stiffness.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Some individuals with an underlying rotator cuff injury may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. However, the condition can present with a range of indicators that require a specialist’s attention:
- Pain in the shoulder: This pain can be persistent, worsening during overhead activities, such as reaching, lifting, or throwing.
- Shoulder weakness or stiffness: Individuals may experience difficulty lifting or rotating their arm, along with a feeling of stiffness or restricted movement.
- Limited range of motion: The ability to move the arm freely may be reduced, making it difficult to perform tasks that require reaching or lifting.
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side: Pain and discomfort can make it challenging to sleep on the side of the injured shoulder.
Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Injuries
Accurate diagnosis of a rotator cuff injury is essential for determining the appropriate treatment plan. To do so, the specialist may conduct a physical examination and use various imaging techniques to evaluate the patient’s condition.
During the physical examination, the specialist will assess the patient’s range of motion, strength, and tenderness in the affected area. Following that, X-rays may be used to rule out any bone-related issues, while MRI scans and ultrasounds provide detailed visualisations of the soft tissues, tendons, and any tears present.
Non-Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatment
For mild rotator cuff injuries, non-surgical treatment options in Singapore may suffice to manage the condition. These options include:
Activity modification and rest:
Patients may be advised to avoid activities that exacerbate pain so as to allow the injured area to stabilise and repair itself by forming some scar tissue.
Physiotherapy:
Strengthening and flexibility exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist can help restore shoulder function and range of motion.
Medications:
Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to relieve pain.
Corticosteroid injections:
In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered to provide more targeted and potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Platelet-Rich Plasma injections:
For suitable cases, this treatment is effective at stimulating tissue healing within the damaged rotator cuff. This treatment involves drawing the patient’s own blood and extracting the platelet cells, then injecting the platelets into the damaged rotator cuff.
Surgical Options for Rotator Cuff Repair
In cases of more severe rotator cuff tears or persistent pain, surgical treatment from an orthopaedic specialist in Singapore may be necessary. Here are some of the common surgical procedures for rotator cuff injuries:
Arthroscopic repair:
This minimally invasive keyhole surgery technique involves small incisions and the use of an arthroscope (a tiny camera) and instruments to reattach the torn tendon. This is the most common treatment for rotator cuff tears.
Capsular Reconstruction:
This is a procedure where an allograft piece of tissue is inserted at the top of the shoulder joint to simulate the function of the rotator cuff.
Tendon transfers:
In situations where the original tendon cannot be repaired, a tendon transfer procedure may be performed using a tendon from another part of the body.
Shoulder replacement:
For severe, irreparable rotator cuff injuries, particularly when combined with arthritis, the damaged areas of bone may be removed and replaced with implants.
Recovery After Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment
Recovery from rotator cuff injury treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, is a gradual process. It may take several months for patients to return to their normal routines and activities. Here is the typical recovery timeline:
Two to four weeks:
This initial phase focuses on pain management and allowing the injury to heal. Patients may need to wear a sling and restrict arm movement during this period.
Four to eight weeks:
Gradual physiotherapy exercises are introduced to restore strength and range of motion in the shoulder.
Three to six months:
With continued rehabilitation, most patients can regain full function and return to their normal activities within this timeframe.
Adhering to the prescribed post-treatment physiotherapy plan is vital for a timely and complete recovery. Patients should diligently follow their specialist’s instructions and gradually increase activity levels as advised.
Choosing the Right Rotator Cuff Injury Specialist
Selecting the right treatment provider is crucial for ensuring a smooth recovery from a rotator cuff injury. When selecting a specialist, consider these factors:
- The specialist’s experience with rotator cuff injuries and treatments
- Availability of non-surgical and surgical options
- Access to advanced diagnostic tools and techniques
- Provision of comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation plans
As a trusted orthopaedic specialist in Singapore, Centurion Orthopaedic Centre meets these criteria through our wide range of treatment options for rotator cuff conditions, from tendinitis to severe tears. Explore our shoulder pain treatment options in Singapore and take the first step towards recovery with us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rotator Cuff Injury Treatments
What are the treatment options for a torn rotator cuff?
Rotator cuff tear treatment depends on the severity of the tear and individual needs, with several non-invasive options available. For milder cases, rest, medication, and physiotherapy may suffice. Meanwhile, surgical options, such as arthroscopic repair, are available for more severe damage and tears. To determine the most suitable treatment plan, patients should consult our specialist in Singapore to assess their condition.
Can rotator cuff injuries heal without surgery?
Yes, milder rotator cuff injuries, such as smaller tears and short-term inflammation, can heal without surgery. For these cases, orthopaedic specialists in Singapore may recommend physiotherapy, medications, or corticosteroid injections to manage pain and promote healing. Lifestyle adjustments may also be necessary during the recovery period.
How long does rotator cuff surgery recovery take?
Recovery after rotator cuff repair surgery typically takes three to six months. The initial weeks focus on pain management and healing, followed by a gradual return to activity through physiotherapy. With the support of a qualified physiotherapist in Singapore, patients usually regain full strength and return to normal activities within this timeframe.
What is the cost of rotator cuff surgery in Singapore?
The cost of rotator cuff repair surgery in Singapore depends on factors such as the complexity of the condition and the surgical techniques used. Consult our rotator cuff injury specialist to obtain a personalised cost estimate. Our centre would also be able to provide advice on insurance or Medisave claimability.
Is rotator cuff surgery claimable with Medisave or insurance?
Rotator cuff surgery and treatments are generally claimable with Medisave and insurance in Singapore. However, the extent of coverage varies depending on individual policies. Patients should check with their insurers and our clinic to understand the claimable amounts and potential out-of-pocket expenses to expect.