Many shoulder conditions present with similar symptoms, which is why it can be so difficult to figure out exactly what you’re dealing with unless you visit a shoulder specialist. Two conditions that fit this mold are rotator cuff tears and frozen shoulder. While their symptoms may be similar, their treatment protocols will differ, so it’s imperative that you understand what’s going on in your shoulder in order to develop the right care plan. In today’s blog, we explore the subtle differences between frozen shoulder and a rotator cuff tear before discussing treatment options for each.
Frozen Shoulder Or Rotator Cuff Tear
Let’s dive a little deeper into these two conditions, but you can get an even more in-depth analysis of each condition by following the links to specific blogs on the topics:
- Frozen Shoulder – Frozen shoulder occurs when your shoulder capsule thickens or becomes inflamed. Your shoulder capsule is a fluid-filled membrane that helps to lubricate soft tissues in your shoulder joint so that they can move with relative ease. When this tissue thickens, it can’t move as easily within the limited space in the shoulder, leading to stiffness, inhibited range of motion or discomfort when moving your arm in certain positions. Repetitive stress and underlying health conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues can increase your risk of shoulder capsule thickening and the onset of frozen shoulder.
- Rotator Cuff Tears – Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that work to secure the shoulder joint in place. If one or more of these soft tissues are damaged, not only will the tissue itself hurt, but the rotator cuff will no longer be able to provide as much stability to the joint, increasing the risk of shoulder instability or dislocation. Acute trauma can lead to the onset of a rotator cuff tear, but degenerative wear and tear can also lead to tissue damage, meaning that it may not always be obvious that a tear is the root cause of your shoulder discomfort.
As we noted in the introduction, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tears typically present with similar symptoms, including pain, limited range of motion, stiffness and overall decreased shoulder function. However, there may be some subtle differences in symptoms that can suggest which of the two conditions you’re dealing with. Patients with frozen shoulder tend to describe their pain as chronic, dull or progressively worsening. Oftentimes it has a gradual onset and slow worsening of symptoms. Symptoms associated with rotator cuff tears are usually a bit more abrupt. Symptom onset may be more sudden, or discomfort levels may be more sharp or severe during certain movements.
What you experience when moving your arms can also provide more information about your condition. If arm movement feels restricted, stiff or presents with dull pain, you may be dealing with frozen shoulder, while sharper pain or shoulder weakness and instability tend to be associated with a rotator cuff tear.
Even if you believe you’ve honed in on the right underlying problem, it’s wise to connect with a shoulder specialist like Dr. Holloway who can provide a comprehensive diagnosis and confirm without a doubt what you’re dealing with. From there, he’ll be able to have a conversation about your goals and how you’d like to approach treatment. Oftentimes he’ll begin with a course of conservative care, with a heavy emphasis on stretching, strengthening and functional physical therapy, but he’s also ready to provide more hands-on care in the event that a few weeks of non-operative treatment fail to yield the expected results. Surgery is rare for frozen shoulder but is quite common for more significant rotator cuff tears, especially if they are compromising the stability of the entire shoulder joint.
Don’t wonder what’s causing your shoulder pain any longer. Instead, connect with a specialist like Dr. Holloway and begin treating the issue so that you can put your uncomfortable symptoms behind you. For more information, or to set up an appointment with his office, pick up the phone and reach out to Dr. Holloway today at (865) 410-7887.
