The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. For patients in the South Bay, a rotator cuff tear is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and disability. Whether caused by an acute injury, like a fall, or the gradual wear-and-tear of aging, the impact on your quality of life can be significant.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Many patients try to “push through” the pain, but ignoring a rotator cuff tear can lead to permanent weakness and worsening arthritis. You should see a specialist if you experience:
- Pain at Night: Specifically, difficulty sleeping on the affected side.
- Weakness: A noticeable inability to lift your arm or perform overhead tasks, such as reaching into a cabinet or brushing your hair.
- Cracking Sensation: A feeling of “popping” or “clicking” when you move your shoulder in certain positions.
The Treatment Journey
Dr. Allyson Estess believes in a comprehensive approach. Not every tear requires surgery. Depending on the size of the tear and your activity level, we often begin with:
- Guided Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder to compensate for the tear.
- Anti-Inflammatory Modalities: Utilizing injections or medication to calm the joint.
- Surgical Repair: If conservative methods fail, or if the tear is significant, arthroscopic repair is the gold standard.
As a former elite athlete, Dr. Estess deeply understands the importance of returning to pain-free movement. She works with patients from El Segundo to Long Beach to build a recovery plan that fits their specific athletic or daily activity goals. Her fellowship training in sports medicine ensures that your repair is not only structural but functional, aimed at getting you back to the activities you love as safely and efficiently as possible.
Contact Our Offices to Start Your Recovery:
- Marina Del Rey: 13160 Mindanao Way, Suite 300, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 | (310) 437-7921
- Torrance: 23600 Telo Avenue, Suite 180, Torrance, CA 90505 | (310) 437-7921
- Long Beach: 3610 Long Beach Blvd, Suite 202, Long Beach, CA 90807 | (310) 437-7921