This content is sponsored by Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center.
As temperatures drop and people turn their attention to indoor routines, orthopedic experts say it’s the perfect time of year to think about how well your body moves and what to do when something doesn’t feel right.
October is recognized as “Bone and Joint Health Awareness Month,” a national effort to draw attention to the prevention and treatment of conditions that limit mobility and cause pain.
At Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center, that focus reflects the hospital’s mission to reduce healthcare disparities in southern Prince George’s County, offering residents medical care close to home so they don’t have to travel to other Maryland counties, Virginia or D.C.
In recent years, the hospital has expanded services and undergone a significant transformation to close healthcare gaps in the region.
That includes orthopedic care that helps patients improve their mobility, relieve pain and get back to the activities they enjoy.
A leading cause of shoulder pain
Among the most common reasons people seek orthopedic care are shoulder problems, with rotator cuff injuries being one of the leading causes of shoulder pain in adults.
They can develop suddenly from trauma, such as a fall, or gradually over time from repetitive movements and age-related wear and tear.
“The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that form a cuff of tissue around the shoulder joint,” said Dr. Shaun Khosla, director of orthopedics at Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center. “The most common types of injuries to the rotator cuff are inflammation and tendinitis as well as tearing of the tendon tissue.”
Although they are often associated with athletes, rotator cuff injuries are widespread and can happen to anyone.
Some rotator cuff injuries occur suddenly, but most develop over a period of years due to overuse or the physical demands of certain jobs.
“Jobs that require repetitive overhead lifting or manual labor may predispose a person to developing rotator cuff issues,” said Khosla. “Age-related changes also play a major role.”
Some studies show that up to 22% of people over 40 years old will have some form of rotator cuff pathology, with that percentage increasing with age.
Early symptoms can vary.
Patients might feel a dull ache in the shoulder, pain when lifting the arm overhead or discomfort that worsens at night.
“These can all occur with varying intensity and may often start with insidious onset,” Khosla said.
When a rotator cuff tear results from trauma, such as slipping on ice, the pain can be sudden and acute, and patients in those cases are urged to seek orthopedic evaluation quickly.
Leaving persistent shoulder pain untreated can make problems worse.
“If chronic shoulder pain is not improving after a reasonable amount of time despite over-the-counter medications and activity modification, patients are encouraged to seek orthopedic consultation,” said Khosla. “Ignoring a rotator cuff tear may increase tear size and retraction which can make the tear much more difficult and, in some cases, impossible to repair.”
Options for patients
Treatment for rotator cuff injuries depends on the severity and the patient’s activity level.
For many, conservative management can make a significant difference.
“Effective nonsurgical management includes physical therapy as the mainstay of treatment with associated oral anti-inflammatory medications and selective use of a cortisone injection,” said Khosla.
When surgery is necessary, the road to recovery requires patience and consistency.
A typical shoulder rotator cuff repair takes around four to six months to recover, and recovery usually involves a good amount of physical therapy.
Preventing shoulder injuries in the first place comes down to proper preparation and conditioning, such as stretching before and after physical activity to keep muscles and joints flexible.
Stretching and other warm-ups are considered to be vitally important to prevent musculoskeletal injury in all areas of the body.
“General strength and conditioning are recommended for overall health, and I try to tell my patients to incorporate cross-training so that one body part or muscle is not constantly being overused,” Khosla said. “This may prevent wear and tear issues that arise.”
Perhaps the most common misconception is the belief that a rotator cuff tear will simply heal over time.
“For the most part, rotator cuff tears will not heal on their own,” said Khosla. “Seeking orthopedic care is necessary to make sure you are appropriately managing your shoulder condition and participating in any further workup or treatment that might be needed to ensure the long-term health of your shoulder.”
Ready to take the next step toward stronger, healthier joints? Learn more about orthopedic care and schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaun Khosla and the Adventist Medical Group Orthopedics team at Fort Washington Medical Center. Visit Adventist Medical Group Orthopedics – Fort Washington to get started on your journey to better mobility and lasting relief.
