Rotator Cuff (Shoulder Tendon) Tear Treatment in Kuwait
Assessment of shoulder pain and weakness lifting the arm, and treatment options
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Shoulder pain, or weakness when lifting your arm, may be linked to a tear in the rotator cuff tendons, the group of tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place and help it move. A tear can happen after a sudden injury, or gradually through wear, repeated strain, and age.
Dr. Osama Al-Droubi evaluates your symptoms and the movement and strength of your shoulder to identify the cause of the pain and build a treatment plan suited to you. If the pain affects your sleep, work, or arm movement, you can book an assessment at the clinic in Kuwait.
When should you have your shoulder tendons assessed?
A medical assessment may help if you notice one or more of the following:
Shoulder pain that gets worse when lifting the arm or reaching forward or overhead.
Night pain that wakes you or stops you lying on the affected side.
Weakness when lifting the arm or carrying objects.
Difficulty dressing, combing your hair, or reaching behind your back.
Clicking, or a feeling of instability when moving the shoulder.
Sudden pain or weakness after a fall or injury.
Symptoms alone do not confirm the diagnosis, so a clinical examination helps identify the source of the pain and tell a tear apart from inflammation and other causes.
How does Dr. Osama assess your condition?
During the appointment, Dr. Osama reviews the history of the injury, where the pain is, and which activities make it worse, and examines shoulder movement, muscle strength, and tendon tests.
X-rays, ultrasound, or an MRI are requested when needed to confirm whether there is a tear and how large it is. The doctor decides which test is appropriate based on the findings.
Rotator cuff tear treatment options
The plan depends on the size of the tear, how recent the injury is, your activity level, and your daily demands. Options the doctor may discuss include:
Adjusting activities that aggravate the pain while keeping the shoulder moving as much as possible.
Suitable medication to ease pain and inflammation after the doctor's assessment.
A physical therapy program to restore movement and strengthen the shoulder muscles.
Targeted injections to ease pain when suitable for your condition.
Discussing surgical repair, including arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery, for tears that do not improve or that affect shoulder function, based on the diagnosis and medical assessment.
Some cases improve with non-surgical treatment, while others may need surgical repair. The doctor explains which option is most suitable for your condition.
What to expect after the appointment
After assessing your condition, the doctor explains the cause of the pain, the examination findings, and the options available, and helps you choose a plan that fits your symptoms and activities. The plan may include follow-up to monitor progress and adjust treatment according to your response.
Book a shoulder pain assessment in Kuwait
If shoulder pain continues or you have weakness when lifting your arm, book an appointment with Dr. Osama Al-Droubi to have your condition assessed and discuss suitable treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
Does a rotator cuff tear heal on its own?
Symptoms may improve in some cases, but a torn tendon does not always return to its previous state without treatment. The doctor sets the plan based on the size of the tear and your condition.
When should I see an orthopedic doctor for shoulder pain?
See a doctor if the pain persists, you notice weakness when lifting the arm, the pain affects your sleep and activities, or after any sudden shoulder injury.
Do I need an MRI?
Not necessarily. Assessment usually starts with a clinical examination, and the doctor decides whether an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI is needed based on your symptoms and examination findings.
Does a rotator cuff tear need surgery?
Not always. Some cases improve without surgery, and surgical repair may be discussed for larger tears or when symptoms continue and affect shoulder function.