It can be difficult to discern what’s causing shoulder pain without proper imaging tests, but rotator cuff injuries often come with a few distinct symptoms that warn of severe damage. Here are some signs to check for before seeking treatment.
Having surgery can consume your thoughts in the days and weeks leading up to the event. To help you prepare yourself for surgery and recovery, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor for more information about what’s being done and what to expect.
If you’re looking for an orthopedic surgeon, San Francisco-based Dr. Jeffrey Helbrecht sees patients at The Institute for Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine (IASM) in San Francisco, California. He routinely performs arthroscopic and open shoulder surgeries, and is uniquely qualified to answer all your orthopedic surgical questions.
There are two main types of shoulder surgery: arthroscopic, and open. Each has pros and cons and different recovery times and results. The type of surgery Dr. Halbrecht recommends will be based on his assessment of the severity of your shoulder injury and what part of the shoulder is damaged.
In many cases, minor damage to the shoulder joint can be performed arthroscopically, using tiny incisions and very small tools to complete repairs without having to open the entire joint. This approach may be the one used by your shoulder surgeon in San Francisco if you have a minor labral tear, a severe shoulder dislocation requiring repairs, or other damage easily reached and resolved with arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Open shoulder surgery is done when damage to the shoulder joint is extensive, or damage has been sustained by more than one part (tendons, ligaments, muscles, etc.) Open surgery is used for shoulder replacements as well as in some severe rotator cuff tear cases where arthroscopic measures won’t suffice. Your rotator cuff doctor in San Francisco will consult with you about which option is best for your specific situation.
Asking these questions can help you be fully prepared for the surgery ahead and help you get ready by lining up help if you need it and planning for downtime.
Need shoulder surgery? Why not inquire about Dr. Jeffrey Halbrecht doing your procedure? You can call the IASM office at 415-233-7996, or book an appointment online today.
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