Shoulder Injuries on the Slopes: Rotator Cuff Tears
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.
Your rotator cuff is a group of shoulder muscles responsible for stabilizing the arm while lifting, swinging, and rotating your arm. It's a crucial part of our anatomy, which is why it can be so painfully frustrating when we suffer an injury to this area.
Signs of a Torn Rotator Cuff
An acute rotator cuff tear while skiing or snowboarding is often the result of a fall onto an outstretched arm or a direct hit to the shoulder from a collision. Rotator cuff tears can also develop over time from repetitive movements or natural wear and tear.
If you suffered a fall or collision while skiing and are experiencing shoulder pain and discomfort, here are six signs that may indicate a rotator cuff tear.
Immediate Pain - A sudden, acute tear from a crash while skiing or snowboarding will likely cause immediate and severe shoulder pain, followed by a dull ache.
Pain With Movement - Lifting, lowering, or rotating your arm may result in sharp pain.
Pain While Sleeping - Pain may worsen when resting or sleeping, especially when lying on the injured side.
Limited Range of Motion - You may find that you cannot move your arm in certain directions without experiencing significant pain and stiffness, such as lifting your arm above your head or trying to reach behind you.
Weakness in the Shoulder - Certain activities, such as picking up objects, may become more challenging due to shoulder weakness.
Clicking Sound - You may experience a popping or clicking sensation when moving the arm, which can be a sign that a muscle or tendon has been damaged.
If any of the above symptoms sound familiar, it's time to contact an orthopaedic specialist. Not only is early treatment a key factor in preventing further damage, but it’s important to rule out other injuries that can occur in conjunction with acute rotator cuff tears.
How Is a Rotator Cuff Tear Treated?
Dr. Sterett of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will accurately diagnose your injury and work with you to develop a treatment plan that gets you back on the slopes as quickly as possible.
The good news is that about 80% of rotator cuff tears can be treated nonsurgically with the following measures:
Rest
Ice
Arm sling
Anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy
Steroid injections
In some cases, Dr. Sterett may recommend surgery as the best option to restore full function to your shoulder. These situations include:
If you have a complete or complex tear
You have continued pain and weakness, despite conservative treatments
You are an athlete returning to a high level of performance
Your job involves frequent, repetitive motions
Read more about rotator cuff surgery.
Contact the Top Shoulder Surgeon in Vail Today
If you suffered a shoulder injury, contact Dr. Sterett and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery!
As the leading orthopaedic shoulder surgeon in Eagle County — home to two renowned ski resorts — Dr. Sterett is known for his experience and skill in treating ski and snowboard shoulder injuries. He and his team will provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that prioritizes your unique lifestyle and goals.
Call (970) 476-7220 today or request an appointment through Team Sterett's online form. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
