Rotator Cuff Injuries are the most common injuries caused due to wear and tear of the Tendon tissue over time in the shoulder. This injury can happen to anyone from being an Athlete, a laborer or anyone above 40. While this injury is well known, its misconception of recovery and surgery are also very well known. Dr. Preetesh Choudhary, leading Shoulder Specialist in Indore has discussed a few myths about Rotator Cuff Injuries which hinder a patient’s treatment.

Myths and Facts about Rotator cuff Injuries-

Myth 1- Painkillers are enough to heal Rotator Cuff Injuries.

Fact-  Painkillers can help you stay relieved from shoulder pain but it is not the ultimate solution, different grades of tear require different types of rotator cuff injury treatment.  A small wear and tear can be healed by Physical Therapy of the shoulder but a complete tear or Grade-III rotator cuff tears requires surgery to heal.

Myth 2- Once your shoulder is injured, it can never be the same.

Fact- It is absolutely false that once a shoulder gets injured, it can never be the same. A proper treatment and full time recovery will help you regain mobility and full strength of the shoulder. However, delaying the treatment or ignoring the pain will lead to a long-term issue. Shoulder injury can be healed with the right approach and care.

Myth 3- Every Shoulder pain is due to Rotator Cuff Injuries

Fact- There are various tissues, ligaments and bones in a shoulder, injury in any of the following things can result in pain. Not just Rotator Cuff Injury but also Arthritis, Frozen shoulder, Bursitis, or Nerve Impingement can be the cause of the pain. Ignoring the pain in the shoulder can be dangerous, consult the best orthopedic surgeon  for the best medical advice.

Myth 4- Heating therapy is better than the Ice therapy for Rotator Cuff Injury.

Fact- Ice Therapy is recommended for the first 48 hrs to reduce the inflammation & swelling and Heat packs can be beneficial for the later recovery to relax the muscles and increase the blood flow. Nothing is advisable before the patient consults to a doctor, always follow what a doctor recommends regarding treatment.

Myth 5- Rotator Cuff Injuries only happen to Athletes-

Fact- It is true that athletes are more prone to such injuries due to repetitive movements or overuse of joints, but anyone can face these kinds of injuries. From a Bad posture, Age, to lifting heavy weights in the gym anything can trigger the rotator cuff and strain it.

Myth 6- Surgery is the only solution for a torn Rotator Cuff-

Fact- If you are the one who is suffering from a torn Rotator cuff then this is to tell you that Surgery is the last option to treat a rotator cuff. In Fact in most of the cases Rotator Cuff is treated without surgery. Surgery is suggested only when all the non-surgical methods fail to improve the rotator cuff symptoms.

Myth 7- Only Heavy Lifting causes Rotator Cuff Injury-

Fact- Heavy Lifting does not cause Rotator Cuff injury, lifting heavy weights with a bad posture can be one of the reasons for your shoulder injury. Such injuries are often caused by repetitive wrong motions, poor posture, or even aging-related degeneration. 

Conclusion-

The more you listen to people, the more myths surround your head. Listening to anyone except a professional can lead you to wrong knowledge and delay your recovery. Before these myths take over your brain, Consult Sports Injury Surgeon for the best medical advice. According to him, the day you start separating facts from the fiction is the day you start your journey to smooth shoulder recovery.