Mercy Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Gregory Gasbarro, Discusses Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries

Treatment of rotator cuff injuries depends on the type of injury.

The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that connect the upper arm and shoulder blade and hold the ball of the arm bone into the shoulder socket.

Injury occurs when muscles and tendons become irritated or damaged. Lifting or pulling heavy objects, repetitive movements or falling on the shoulder can cause strain or tears of muscles and tendons.

According to Dr. Gregory Gasbarro, a Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at The Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Center at Mercy, the rotator cuff is important for stability and for motion.

"If it's wear and tear, I usually send patients to therapy to see if that can get them better. Also, if they have a great deal of pain, I offer a cortisone injection," Dr. Gasbarro said. "If it's a traumatic injury, I think of the rotator cuff differently in that scenario. And in that scenario, I often try to fix the rotator cuff tendon sooner because outcomes are better."

Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include shoulder pain, especially when moving the arm above the head or behind the back, shoulder weakness and decreased range of motion. Rotator cuff injuries are very common and increase with age.

To view Dr. Gregory Gasbarro’s interview regarding rotator cuff injury, click here.