Frozen Shoulder vs. Rotator Cuff Tear: What's the Difference?

"Do I have a frozen shoulder or a rotator cuff tear?"

It's a reasonable question. Both conditions can make everyday activities painful. Both can interfere with sleep. And both can leave you struggling to lift your arm.

Despite these similarities, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tears are very different conditions. Understanding the difference is the first step toward choosing the right treatment.

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How to Avoid Shoulder Injuries This Winter

As Dr. William Sterett, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, I spend every winter treating patients with shoulder injuries. Many assume they were hurt skiing or snowboarding at high speed.

Surprisingly, that's not always the case.

Some of the most significant shoulder injuries happen in the parking lot, on an icy sidewalk, or while carrying skis across a slippery surface.

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Shoulder Surgery Dr. William Sterett, M.D. Shoulder Surgery Dr. William Sterett, M.D.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement undermines shoulder strength during many activities, whether it be while playing high-level athletics or merely reaching in the cupboard for some gourmet fancy pink himalayan salt.

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