Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit the orthopedic doctor. The shoulder joint is very mobile, allowing the arms to move, lift, and turn with ease. However, this mobility can lead to injury and ailments like rotator-cuff tears as well as frozen shoulders. Although both cause pain and limit mobility but they differ with respect to their causes and treatment options. Knowing the difference between them is essential to seek the right recommendations by an orthopedist in Delhi.

What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A tear in the rotator cuff occurs in the event that one tendon is injured. The tears can be either limited (where the tendon is injured but not cut completely) and full-thickness (where it is completely separated).

Causes:

1. Wear and tear 
2. Repetitive activities
3. Falls or injuries that are sudden and unexpected
4. Tendons becoming weaker due to the lack of blood supply as we age.

Symptoms:

1. Pain that is dull or sharp in the shoulder area, frequently becoming worse at night.
2. The weakness is when you lift or rotate the arm
3. Limitation of movement range
4. The sensation of popping or cracking whenever you move the shoulder

Treatment Options:

1. Physical therapy, rest and anti-inflammatory medication for minor tears
2. Corticosteroid injections are a pain reliever
3. Surgery for massive or complete tears to reconnect the tendon

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis is a condition that causes the shoulder joint capsule to get tighter and thicker which causes discomfort and stiffness. Contrary to a tear of the rotator-cuff frozen shoulder does not cause tendon injuries, but rather inflammation and scar tissues surrounding the joint.

Causes:

1. Sometimes, it develops slowly without any obvious injury
2. Common in people between 40 and 60 years old
3. Greater risk for those with thyroid or diabetes
4. This can happen after prolonged immobilization, for example post-surgery or after fracture recovery.

Symptoms:

The process of regaining shoulder frozen progresses through three phases:

1. The stage of freezing – increasing stiffness and pain
2. Stiffness persists and pain may ease only a little
3. Thawing stage – gradually improving in movement

Treatment Options:

1. Physical therapy and pain-relieving medication
2. Stretching exercises for improving mobility
3. In certain cases, injections of steroids
4. Occasionally, surgery is required to release the joint capsule.

Key Differences Between Rotator Cuff Tears and Frozen Shoulder

Managing Shoulder Health

Simple measures in your lifestyle can assist in protecting your shoulder:

1. Avoid repetitive overhead movements that do not require sufficient rest
2. Shoulder-strengthening exercises
3. Good posture
4. Prompt medical attention

Conclusion

People suffering from constant shoulder pain should consult the best orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Abhijit Tayade in Delhi.  He specializes in orthopedic treatment for better health and overall well being.