Rotator Cuff Injuries in Weekend Athletes: Best Treatment Options

Weekend warriors are those of us who cram intense physical activity into just a few days each week. Although the drive to stay active is admirable, this sudden burst of high-intensity exercise after a workweek of relative inactivity puts your body at risk of injury.

Your rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that anchor your shoulder joint, and it plays a vital role in everyday and sport-specific movements. When it’s overused during sports like tennis, golf, basketball, or even heavy DIY projects, it can get irritated, weakened, or torn — and leave you with pain that lasts longer than the weekend.

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, our team at Manhattan Orthopedics is ready to help. We offer comprehensive care for shoulder pain, and here’s what you need to know about rotator cuff injuries and the best treatment options available.

Why weekend athletes are at risk

Professional athletes train day in and day out. But recreational athletes often fluctuate between periods of inactivity and intense exertion, and this pattern of general deconditioning and sudden overuse can significantly increase the risk of injury.

And if you’re a recreational athlete, your shoulder joint might be particularly at risk. Overhead motions are common in many sports, and these movements can put significant strain on your rotator cuff.

Without proper warm-up, stretching, or conditioning, the tendons and muscles in your rotator cuff are more vulnerable to irritation and tearing. Even simple activities like throwing a ball or lifting weights incorrectly on the weekend can trigger an injury that lingers long after the game is over.

Recognizing the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury

Rotator cuff injuries can start small. If they go untreated, however, symptoms can worsen until they’re hard to ignore. Catching a rotator cuff injury early can help you avoid long-term complications, and here’s what to look for.

• Pain when moving your arm overhead
• Pain when reaching behind your back
• Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
• Clicking, popping, or catching sensations in your shoulder
• Nighttime discomfort, especially when lying on the injured side
• Reduced range of motion or stiffness

Mild strains may only cause occasional discomfort, but untreated injuries can progress into partial or full tears. If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s important to get checked out so you can start appropriate treatment and avoid more serious complications, like chronic pain or loss of mobility.

The best rotator cuff treatment options

Most mild-to-moderate rotator cuff injuries respond well to nonsurgical treatment, especially when they’re caught early. Sometimes, though, rotator cuff surgery is the best option. Our team specializes in diagnosing shoulder injuries, and we’ll help guide you to the best treatment for your needs.

Conservative care for rotator cuff injuries

We usually start by recommending nonsurgical treatment first. It’s a good idea to modify your activities to avoid repetitive overhead motions and reduce strain on your shoulder as it heals.

Physical therapy focuses on strengthening your rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, stretching tight muscles, and restoring mobility, and it can be a great option to help manage lingering pain from past injuries, too.

We may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help control pain and swelling in the short term. Depending on your situation, regenerative injections like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can help promote tissue healing and support recovery — especially if you’re looking to avoid surgery or augment post-surgical rehab.

Surgery for rotator cuff injuries

If you have a full rotator cuff tear or your injury doesn’t improve with conservative care, it might be time to consider surgery. We specialize in arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery, using small incisions and specialized instruments to reattach tendons to bone.

After surgery, following your rehab plan is essential. The process typically begins with gentle stretching, progressing to strengthening exercises, and eventually sport-specific training. Most recreational athletes get back to their activities within four to six months after surgery, and it is possible to return to their previous level of play following surgery.

For weekend athletes, the combination of sudden, intense activity and repetitive shoulder use makes rotator cuff injuries a real risk. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking prompt treatment can help you stay involved in the activities you love without long-term limitations.

Ready to get started? Call our offices in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York, or request an appointment online now.