Rotator Cuff Specialist

Denver Metro Orthopedics, P.C.

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine located in Englewood, CO & Aurora

Each year, more than 3 million Americans visit the doctor due to a rotator cuff injury. Rotator cuff ailments that aren’t treated can affect your arm’s range of motion and quality of life. At Denver Metro Orthopedics, P.C., John Schwappach, MD, boasts years of experience diagnosing and treating rotator cuff injuries. To make an appointment at the practice in Englewood or Aurora, Colorado, call the nearest office to speak with a team member or book online today.

Rotator Cuff Q & A

What is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that surround and support your shoulder joint. They hold your upper arm bone in its socket, allowing you to lift your arms above your head, throw, and reach

If you injure your rotator cuff during work or exercise, don’t wait to seek treatment. The longer the injury persists, the more likely it is to result in long-term consequences like weakness, pain, and the degeneration of your shoulder joint.

What are the signs of a rotator cuff injury?

Common signs of a rotator cuff injury include:

A dull ache deep in the shoulder
Difficulty sleeping
Arm weakness
Difficulty reaching above your head

Anyone can experience a rotator cuff injury, but you’re more at risk if your job requires you to perform repetitive overhead motions.

How can I prevent a rotator cuff injury?

There’s no way to prevent a rotator cuff injury entirely, but you can significantly lower your risk. Dr. Schwappach recommends regularly exercising the muscles in your shoulders, chest, and upper arms. You can also build the muscles at the back of your shoulders, around the shoulder blades.

When the muscles in and around your shoulders are balanced and healthy, they’re much less likely to experience wear-and-tear.

How is a rotator cuff injury diagnosed?

To diagnose a rotator cuff injury, Dr. Schwappach asks about your symptoms and conducts a thorough physical exam. He press on different parts of your shoulder and have you move your arm into various positions. Afterward, he tests the strength of your arm and shoulder muscles.

If a physical exam doesn’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis, your doctor might order an ultrasound or an MRI. These diagnostic imaging techniques provide detailed photographs of the soft and hard tissues that make up your shoulder joint.

To receive treatment for a damaged rotator cuff, make an appointment at Denver Metro Orthopedics, P.C. by calling the nearest office to speak with a team member or booking online today.

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