What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
A rotator cuff tear is a common injury that involves damage to one or more of the muscles and tendons that help provide strength and stability to your shoulder joint. These structures are crucial for movements like lifting, reaching, and rotating your arm, making rotator cuff tears especially disruptive to everyday life.
Tears in the rotator cuff can develop in different ways, including sudden injuries, repetitive use, or natural deterioration caused by age. Common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include shoulder pain (especially when lifting the arm), weakness, numbness, or limited mobility in the area.
We offer a variety of nonsurgical treatments for rotator cuff tears at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care. Our team, led by experienced physiatrist Dr. Mairin Jerome, will perform a comprehensive examination and recommend a course of treatment that fits your needs, whether that includes shockwave therapy, targeted pain injections, or orthobiologics such as platelet-rich plasma injections. If you've been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear or are experiencing frequent shoulder pain or weakness, schedule an appointment at our Atlanta, GA practice to learn more about our regenerative treatment options.
How Do You Treat Rotator Cuff Tears?
Before coming up with a treatment plan, Dr. Jerome will perform a thorough examination to learn more about your symptoms, what may have caused the injury, and how it's affecting your strength and range of motion. Our office is also equipped with x-ray and ultrasound imaging tools to provide more detailed pictures of the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.
The first lines of treatment for a rotator cuff tear are typically rest, ice, and physical therapy to help strengthen the joint. If these aren't providing relief, Dr. Jerome may recommend focused shockwave therapy or injections to support your body's natural repair processes. During your consultation, she will explain the details of each option and provide more information about what you can expect throughout your treatment. Our goal is to help restore strength and improve shoulder function without surgery or dependence on pain medications.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Whether you're a competitive athlete, a worker who spends their day lifting things, or a parent trying to play with your child, rotator cuff tears can severely impact your daily function and quality of life. As disruptive as these injuries are, they can be managed with the right combination of support and focused care offered at our Atlanta, GA orthopedic practice. The benefits of our approach to rotator cuff tears include:
- Restoring strength needed for lifting, reaching, and overhead movement
- Reducing shoulder pain that interferes with sleep and daily activity
- Improving range of motion without "catching" in the joint
- Supporting smoother, more controlled arm movement
- Preventing further breakdown in the shoulder
- Reducing strain on the surrounding muscles that have been compensating
- Making routine tasks like dressing, driving, and carrying items easier
- Allowing patients to return to a more active lifestyle
Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care Reviews
Dr Jerome is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable! She took time to speak with me about all treatment options and how to eliminate my pain. She not only got me moving again, she got my life back! I highly, unequivocally recommend Dr Jerome!
I met with Dr. Jerome after experiencing difficulties with stiffness in my back and legs which was creating difficulty walking. Prior to meeting with Dr. Jerome I met with several doctors including a Neurologist who diagnosed me with spinal stenosis and suggested trying some PT but was told there wasn't anything that could be done and this will be your new normal. I had a friend recommend seeing Dr. Jerome for a second opinion after the success he saw with his daughters and wife who had their own issues and their success. Dr. Jerome met with me and spent well over an hour evaluating my X-Rays and MRI's and determined the root cause and said that there wasn't any reason for my issues to be my new normal! She conducted 2 surgeries using my own blood platelets which improved my mobility and my life drastically! During that same evolution she identified an issue with my hip which had deteriorated and was developing bone spurs (no other doctor caught or identified that issue) she said that the damaged hip was beyond anything she could do to repair and suggested seeing a surgeon for a 2nd opinion. She was right and I recently had my hip replaced! In closing I have to say that in my 58 years of life I have never met with a doctor who spent as much time and focus with me in order to try and improve my circumstances and my life. Dr. Jerome in my opinion is the best doctor I have ever interacted with! I would highly recommend her to any friend, family member, or anyone for that matter! Any patient with the good fortune of having Dr. Jerome in their corner will be blessed with someone who truly cares for them and is the best at what she does! Forever grateful! Rob Edgeton West Des Moines, IA.
On Feb 20, 2023, I had my first appointment with Dr Mairin Jerome at Regenexx in Des Moines IA and on March 27, 2023. I was impressed by her inquiries into my health, she examined my knee, finding the pain areas with her hands and used a ultra sound to get a better idea of my knee. (It was so very different then my Ortho physician who took x-rays and stood across the room and told me I needed two complete knee replacements and when did I want to schedule it, I felt like I’d been hit by a 2 x 4). I had platelets a prolotherapy injection; into my R knee and lower back. I was amazed after two days I had low to no pain, I only used only two pain pills. I was told what every step of the procedure was and asked if I understood, Dr Jerome called that evening to check on how I was doing, I felt supported and she knew what was going on with my PT on my follow up visit. Dr Jerome went above and beyond what she needed to do to make me comfortable. On Sept 20, 2023 I had a stem cell procedure done on my L knee and it went as easily as the first procedure. There were extra stem cells so she put them into my L hip, sweet! Again, I feel Dr Jerome took that extra measure of patient care. I am sensitive to medications and usually take half of what is prescribed, she ‘listens’ and prescribed my pain meds in a smaller dose so that I didn’t have to deal with breaking pills up. For me it’s the little gestures that make a doctor great. Dr Jerome is an excellent doctor, I and many others in Des Moines, will miss her as she goes back east to practice. Kathleen McLean (age 73)
Dr. Jerome got to the root of my issues was able to treat my spine comprehensibly. Enjoyed her humor and patience with my veins! Very sad to see her leave Des Moines!
Dr. Jerome is very professional, attentive and caring. She takes the time to listen not only with her ears but her eyes and heart as well. She noted symptoms I didn't realize I had. She provided personal follow-ups, not just relying on her staff, and supplied emotional support when I felt my issues were crashing down around me. There are not enough words to properly thank you, Dr. Jerome, for all you have done for my knees, back, neck and hands.
10
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Comprehensive Care for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff tears will not heal on their own in most cases, which is why it's important to seek out experienced care if you're suffering from shoulder pain or weakness. At the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care, we work closely with patients throughout Atlanta, GA and surrounding areas who are looking for ways to manage shoulder pain and recovery without surgery. Schedule a consultation and exam with Dr. Jerome to learn more about our treatments for rotator cuff tears.