The question, "can a dislocated shoulder cause a rotator cuff tear?" is often asked by patients. The answer is yes. The force that dislocates the shoulder can indeed cause a tear in the rotator cuff.

Winter has arrived, which means one thing for ski and snowboard fans: it's time to hit the slopes! However, that also means that Dr. Sterett, Vail Valley's leading orthopaedic surgeon, begins to see an increase in shoulder injuries – the most common being rotator cuff tears.

Let's take a look at three of the most common causes of shoulder weakness, alongside treatment options to help you regain strength and restore function.

Are you experiencing shoulder pain or weakness? Is it difficult to lift your arm above your head? You might be dealing with a rotator cuff injury — one of the most common sources of shoulder pain.

Sometimes, after a fall or overuse, the rotator cuff can tear. Here are some frequently asked questions Dr. Sterett and his team receive from patients with a rotator cuff injury.

When there’s a tear to the rotator cuff, the pain can be severe and prolonged. At that point, Dr. Sterett and his Vail Valley team may recommend surgery.